How Long Do Muscle Spasms After a Breast Augmentation Last?

Thanks for the fantastic question - Muscle spasm after sub-pectoral breast augmentation can be caused by the stretch of the pect. muscle when the implant is placed beneath it. However blood and manipulation can also cause muscle spasm. The larger the implant the more likely the spasm. Typically the spasm resolves after about 1 - 2 weeks as the muscle irritation decreases. In our San Francisco area practice we have worked extensively on a regimen that reduces spasm which includes... more

Muscle spasms are usualy gone after 3-4 weeks at most, but may take longer with a large implant like you have.  Also, the more anxious the patient's personality, the more spasms they have because their body is usually in a much higher state of tension than a relaxed person.

Spasm of the pectoralis muscles after breast augmentation is not only common but the rule. The muscles are used to being against the chest wall. When the implants are placed under the muscle they are put on a constant stretch that is unnatural for them. Thus the muscles will contract in an attempt to regain their natural muscle fiber tension. You underwent quite a large augmentation so the muscles are unhappy. Most of my patients are off Valium by post op day 4 or 5. The pain you are... more

This is quite normal and it generally appears that this tends to persist for about 3 weeks after surgery. Patients often not that it is worse at night occurring between 3-6AM. I have recommended Valium for this but occasionally a stronger muscle relaxant such as flexeril is benieficial. I have found that upper extremity range of motion exercises performed every hour are quite benefical in decreasing these spasms. Perform these only after discussing it with your surgeon.

Muscle spams are common after augmentation. However, the larger the implant, the more that would be expected and likely will last longer. If the exercises you are instructed to do are causing inappropriate discomfort, then talk to your surgeon about holding off until you have recovered more. Your pocket is created at the time of surgery and not by the massaging afterwards. See your surgeon and review your concerns.

In most cases, the muscle spasms after breast implants resolves after a few weeks. We often give our patient valium to take follow surgery to help relax the muscles and relieve any anxiety. You had fairly large implants placed, so your muscles are being stretched significantly. You are still very early after surgery, so you should expect improvement soon. Good luck.

When the inplants are under the muscle, it is very painful, and that is why I Rx valium along with narcotics. The pain is due to the muscle spasm. The first week is the worst, and it gets better over time. By about 3 to 4 weeks, most of my patients are fine, but are a bit stiff and sore- ibuprophen type of pain. Keep moving and stretching. Warm showers help. Ask your doctor about a band.

You have undergone a very large breast augmentation. Your tissues are streching to accomodate the new volume. Most patients find that by 10 days to two weeks most of the pain of breast augmentation has subsided. However in your case because of the large size you may experience discomfort a week longer. The more often and more vigorously you exercise and do massage and displacement exercises, the sooner your tissues will stretch and relax and the sooner you will be comfortable.... more

Muscle spasm after subpectoral augmentation is very common and can take a whil to resolve. It also seems like the larger the implant and more well developed the muscle, the longer and more painful the muscle spasms can be, although there is certainly a great deal of variation among patients. Continue with the exercises as this will help the stiffness as well and trust that it will get better!