Breast Augmentation: Q&A

Ask a Question

Can a Muscle Tear Occur from Receiving a "Bear Hug" After Breast Augmentation?

I had breast augmentation 4 yrs ago. Recently I was injured when I received a "bear hug". Two days later I started to experience excruciating pain. I was unable to do normal daily activities, ie; open a door, carry a purse, extend arm, put on a jacket, walk (as a form of excercise), even deep breathing at times.I am wondering if I could have torn a pec muscle (as my implants are under the muscle).I am now in week three and still have pain; not as severe but still very painful. Any thoughts?

Tags:

Comment on this

9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Debby L in New Hampshire

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (0)

Accidental Closed Capsulotomy 4 years after Breast Augmentation

Hi there- I think that you probably have indeed experienced a closed capsulotomy, in which the connective tissue pocket that your implants are sitting in was torn be the force of the embrace, or "bear hug" you describe. Because this can have longer term implications for your breasts and implants, I recommend you visit your surgeon for evaluation and recommendations.

Bear hug leading to pain in chest

A bear hug could have caused a tear in the breast capsule if it was a really strong one. It sounds like you should go in to see your surgeon to be checked out.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Severe Breast Pain after a Bear Hug

It would be best if you were evaluated by your Plastic surgeon. It sounds like the classic description of a Closed Capsulotomy, the blowing of the wall of the scar around the breast impant (capsule). By sudden hard crushing compression of the augmented breast the scar is stretched hard acres the implant and broken. The problem is that this may result in bleeding, implant rupture and occasionally in a portion of the implant being caught in the capsule crack (Barbell Defect). You may need an... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

You might also like...

Real Stories

It's Time to Get These Sad and Saggy Water Balloons Filled Back Up! 16 Days to Go!

I am a bit nervous posting on her but reading other peoples stories, seeing pictures, it's...

Before + After Photos

View 6863 Breast Augmentation photos

Injury possible after a bear hug

Thank you for your question. I would see your plastic surgeon because you are still having pain. You did not mention if these are silicone gel or saline impants. Your symptoms soound like you might have torn muscle or the capsule--tearing either can be extremely painful. If you have silicone implants your surgeon might order tests to confirm the implant did not rupture. Good luck.

Painful breast implant

Obviously you will need to confirm any advice you get over the web with your plastic surgeon. You can start with your primary care physician but he/she will likely refer you to your plastic surgeon because breast implants and associated complications are not something primary care doctors typically deal with regularly. A torn muscle is possible but it is more likely that your capsule broke around the implant. I do not know whether you actually ruptured your implant or not... more

Bear hug capsulotomy

Believe it or not Debby, that's how it was discovered that a capsulotomy could release a capsule, what was referred to as a closed capsulotomy. We now know this can cause implant rupture and uneven capsule release creating a deformity. I would call your plastic surgeon and follow up with him. I would not attempt to give you advice over this web site as I can not evaluate you. In all liklihood it is a tear in the capsule and will resolve without any drastic... more

Bear Hug and Pain After Augmentation

Many years ago (in the early 70's I think) a woman in Florida had hard breasts from capsular contracture after augmentation. She was at a party and had a big bear hug, actually heard a pop and had pain. The next day she noticed her breast was soft. That was the start of doctors physically squeezing very hard on hard breasts to pop or tear the tight capsule that was causing the problem. We no longer do that, thank goodness, but a big hard pressure on the encapsulated breast can easily... more

Pain after "Bear Hug"?

Thank you for the question. It must have been some serious “bear hug” to be causing discomfort 3 weeks later. For patients who describe “excruciating pain” that is disabling I would suggest evaluation by your primary care and/or plastic surgeon. Online consultation will not be helpful enough... Best wishes.

Pain after a bear hug

You probably tore the capsule surrounding the implant rather than the muscle. Take some Ibuprofen and apply some heat. It will take around 4-6 weeks until it feels back to normal. You may also want to take some vitamin E for about 3 months to help prevent a capsule contracture which might get triggered from the inflammation.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.