Breast augmentation surgery is the only effective solution to increase the size of the breasts. The augmentation can be achieved either with implants or with the help of fat transfer. However, the results achieved when using implants are much more impressive than when using just fat transfer. At the same time, it is true that when getting implants, there are different risks and complications that can occur as a result of inserting external prostheses inside the breasts. Grafting fat into the breasts is associated with fewer potential complications, but the patient often can’t get more than half a bra cup to a bra cup in size. This is the reason why breast implant surgery is so popular and among the two most performed plastic surgery procedures in the world.
Just like any other surgical procedure, the patient can experience pain after the procedure. This is completely normal and natural and the plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the pain. Usually, patients report that the pain is more intense in the first few days post-op and disappears gradually within a week or two post-op. However, there can be patients who experience pain in the breasts months after breast augmentation.
If the pain occurs months after the procedure and is localized in one breast or the other, it could be a sign of capsular contracture or other complications. Capsular contracture is a specific complication of breast implant surgery. After the implants are inserted, the body will work to isolate it from the surrounding tissues by creating a fibrous tissue around it. In time, this fibrous tissue can become thicker and hardened and distort the shape of the breasts, also creating pain.
Capsular contracture can’t always be prevented, and it is important for patients to be aware of this and what are the signs of the condition so they can get medical assistance when they suspect they are confronted with it. The plastic surgeon will easily diagnose capsular contracture and recommend a suitable treatment. In severe cases of capsular contracture, the plastic surgeon might need to perform a surgical intervention to remove the fibrous capsule that has formed around the implants.
There could be other causes of pain in the breasts months after breast augmentation, although these are extraordinary occurrences. Deep tissue infection could be one, also known as sepsis in the internal pocket where the breasts are inserted. This can happen because the procedure was not performed with safety measures in place. To avoid this, the plastic surgeon can administer antibiotics through the IV during surgery and also for five more days after surgery.
If pain occurs in the breasts months after breast augmentation, it is important to get in contact with the plastic surgeon immediately.