Left Side Pain
Hi there, I had a breast augmentation done in Feb 2013. Followed the recovery directions to a T, as I wanted to ensure quality care and life post surgery. At my 3 week check up, I told my surgeon about some one side pain I was having. He told me it was a normal part of the healing process. A year later, I was still experiencing this pain. To this day, now almost 2017 - I am experiencing sometimes sharp, mainly dull pain in the bottom left corner of my left breast s/p breast augmentation in 2013. In fact, I generally try to sleep on my right side, or back leaning towards my right side so that my left breast is "safe". I've since moved cities, and am not even sure I trust my surgeon any longer to want to take a couple days off to travel to go see him. Do I need to be concerned something is terribly wrong? I know this does not warrant an E.D. visit, but it has crossed my mind to finally be heard.
Sorry to hear about your persistent pain. It is most likely associated with either the capsule around the implant or scar tissue. Sometimes the capsule or scar tissue can irritate a nerve or muscle that can cause this discomfort. There is not much you can do on your own except try massaging this area aggressively to try to break up or stretch the scar tissue in this area. This may help. If it does not, the only other thing I have seen to be effective is to remove the capsule in this area. Although this usually works, there is no guarantee.
Definitely seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area for another opinion.
Good Luck
Dr Markmann
All agree that this is disconcerting and understand your feelings. you should seek a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon in your current location.
Breast pain is a not uncommon problem after breast augmentation surgery. Often, pressure of the implant that is relieved by rolling in the opposite direction may indicate that the implant is pressing on a nerve. I have seen this issue fairly frequently. Often when the implant is exchanged for a slightly smaller one, and the internal pocket of the breast implant is redone, the nerve issue can improve. There are many other causes for breast pain, so it is always a good idea to visit a board certified plastic surgeon and let them know your concerns.
So sorry for your ongoing pain. As mentioned by others, you clearly have some compression or impingement of a nerve. It is very uncommon for this to persist. I would suggest starting with a physical therapist. Some will specialize in breast cancer reconstruction therapy and although you don't have cancer, they might be the most knowledgeable. Releasing the capsule internally and possibly changing an implant is an option, but I'd recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your new area. Best of Luck!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am so sorry you are having a difficult time with the pain. It is an unfortunate fact that anytime you have surgery, there can be unintended consequences. If everything looks ok and the area feels soft and normal when you touch it, then this is most likely a nerve that is being irritated by the scar tissue. Unfortunately, there is little that can definitively treat this. Removing the implants or surgery to go in and try and loosen the scar tissue in the area has no guarantee of working. Some patients will find relief from physical therapy, massage, or other alternative treatments (acupuncture works for some, but make sure the needles don't go anywhere near the implant!). Hopefully that gives you something to work with to understand what is going on. Good luck. Feel free to contact me to discuss, even if you'd just like to talk and learn more.