The answer to this will greatly depend on how far from surgery you are. Within the first 4 weeks, this would be expected post-surgical pain. If you are, say more than 6 months out from surgery and this is new pain, I would definitely see your surgeon again. It could be capsular contracture. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

While pain is a symptom of contracture, it doesn't always happen. With capsular contracture, the breasts feels "HARD." You don't mention how far after surgery you are. If you are concerned, please consult with your plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

How long ago was your surgery? Was it first time or replacement? Is it over or under the muscle? What was your starting size and size of the implant? Cannot answer without this information. In addition, it could be coming from your back due to rib subluxation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It could be a contracture, fluid build up (seroma or hematoma), or it could be an infection. Have your surgeon check you. An exam is required to determine the cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

How long has it been since surgery? I would definitely want my patient to contact me. I suggest having a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Call and make an appointment with your surgeon. It is important that you have a follow-up and exam to determine what is going on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post-op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You would need an examination to make sure if what you are experiencing is truly capsular contracture. Sometimes it can be manually manipulated to make the tissue softer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Without conducting a physical examination or much surgical history, and in the absence of photographs, it is difficult to say whether or not you have a capsular contracture. A capsular contracture is defined as a heightened immune response that causes the scar tissue or capsule that exists around a breast implant to grow substantially and constrict or tighten around the implant. This then causes a patient's implant to become hard, appear deformed, and can cause great discomfort for the patient. If you are concerned that you may have developed a capsular contracture, I would highly recommend following up with a board-certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Pain in a breast that has a breast implant can be due to these things: trauma to breast, capsular contracture, and hormonal influences on the breast. Pain can also be on just one side. If your breasts are hard, then it most likely is capsular contracture. It could also be infection, but then the breast would be hot and red.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have pain or tenderness, you should be examined by your surgeon. No diagnosis can be made through this medium.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you are having discomfort, it will be in your best interest to be seen by your doctor for an examination. Online consultants will not be able to help you with accurate advice. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. The timing of your breast implant procedure is key. If recent, it may only be swelling that will resolve. If the implants were placed a while ago, it could be a capsule issue. See your plastic surgeon who can diagnose accurately and treat. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Based on the information that you have provided, it is difficult to assess if this is just pain related to a recent breast augmentation or capsular contracture. Typically, if the breast appears firm and is displaced, then you may be exhibiting signs of capsule contracture. Sometimes pain after a recent breast augmentation is very common. My suggestion is for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon so that you can actually be examined in person to determine if this is just normal postoperative pain that may require a muscle relaxant, or if it's a true capsular contracture, which will require surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. It seems you may be complaining about capsular contracture. You would need to be examined to confirm. If you do have capsular contracture, treatments would be surgery to release or replace the implants with removal of the capsule, or maybe you are a candidate for Aspen external nonsurgical ultrasonic treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012