What Causes a Burning Sensation in Breast Implants?

A burning sensation in the breasts after augmentation can be unsettling. In some cases, it may be part of the normal healing process directly following surgery. In others, it could indicate an underlying complication that warrants medical attention. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to speak with your surgeon.

Table of Contents

• Breast Implant Illness (BII)
• Capsular Contracture
• Implant Rupture
• Seroma
• Can a Burning Sensation in My Breast Implant Be Normal?

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implant illness (BII) is a collection of systemic symptoms some women experience after receiving breast implants. Even though BII is not currently recognized as an official medical diagnosis, surgeons like Dr. Philip J. Straka take it seriously and can help treat it.

Many patients report a wide range of symptoms that often improve after breast implant removal. These include:

• Fatigue 
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Anxiety or depression
• Skin rashes
• Hair thinning
• Chronic inflammation or discomfort
• Burning sensations in the breasts or chest 

Some patients describe a persistent burning, tingling, or inflamed feeling around their implants and the surrounding tissue. Although researchers are still studying the exact etiology of this condition, it is believed that inflammation or an immune response may contribute to these symptoms in certain individuals.

Because the symptoms of BII can overlap with many other conditions, it’s important to get evaluated by an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon. A thorough physical examination can help determine whether your symptoms are related to your implants or another underlying issue.

Capsular Contracture After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Capsular contracture is among the most common complications after breast augmentation. As part of the recovery process, the body forms a layer of scar tissue, or capsule, around the implants. This is a normal, expected immune response. However, in some cases, this capsule begins to tighten excessively around the implant, causing pain, discomfort, and visible changes in the breasts’ appearance.

As the scar tightens, patients may experience:

• Burning or aching pain
• Breast tightness or firmness
• Increased sensitivity
• Implants that feel unnaturally hard

Patients experiencing capsular contracture may notice the condition develop gradually or appear months or years after surgery, sometimes due to poor implant placement. Mild cases may only cause subtle discomfort, while more advanced cases can become painful and affect the appearance of the breasts.

Implant Rupture

A ruptured breast implant can also cause unusual sensations, including burning, tenderness, or discomfort around the incision site. The symptoms usually depend on the type of implant involved.

Saline and silicone implants react differently to ruptures. With saline implants, rupture is usually immediately obvious because the implant quickly deflates as the body safely absorbs the leaked saltwater. Silicone implant ruptures, on the other hand, can be more difficult to detect because silicone gel may remain trapped within the surrounding capsule (scar tissue). This is sometimes referred to as a “silent rupture.” 

Signs of an implant rupture can include:

• Burning or soreness in the breast
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Swelling
• Firmness or lumps
• Persistent pain or discomfort

If rupture is suspected, imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound will be recommended to evaluate the integrity of the implant and determine next steps.

Seroma

A seroma is a buildup of fluid that can develop around a breast implant. While seromas commonly develop following breast implant surgery, they can occasionally occur years later. Then, the pressure created by fluid accumulation may cause burning, tenderness, swelling, or a sensation of heaviness in the breast.

Can a Burning Sensation in My Breast Implant Be Normal?

If you have recently had surgery, a burning sensation is often a normal part of the healing process. This can be caused by the “pins and needles” associated with nerve regeneration or the tightness associated with breast tissue stretching. Common, over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve nerve pain.

Still, it’s always best to check with your surgeon. If a burning sensation is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Fever or chills
• Sudden swelling, warmth, or redness
• Changes in the shape or firmness of the breasts
• Severe or worsening breast pain

Learn More About Breast Implant Illness in Chicago, IL

If you are experiencing pain or other complications with your breast implants, it is understandable to feel stressed or overwhelmed. The good news is that you do not have to navigate these concerns alone.

Dr. Philip J. Straka is not only a board-certified plastic surgeon but also one of the leading breast implant removal surgeons in the country. He has helped thousands of patients experiencing implant-related concerns find answers and move forward toward relief.

Call (281) 540-8044 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.