What to do if I pulled a muscle 3 months post op?

Question

Hi all I am 13 weeks post op and I believe I have pulled a muscle I’m my left breast I have been having sharp pains and stiffness day and night the past 3 days. It feels almost like post op day 1-7. I will be seeing my dr on Tuesday but in the meantime what should I do?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, thank you for submitting your question. Hope you are feeling better! In the meantime I recommend for any muscle pain Motrin or Advil with warm compresses will ease some of the pain. It can take up to 6 weeks for muscle strain to heal. Regardless I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear XoxoDee,
there is a chance that you pulled your muscle. You should consult your plastic surgeon and until then pain killers such as ibuprofen might help. Also, you should rest for a while until your pain resolves. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear XoxoDee,Thank you for your question. It is possible you pulled your pectoralis muscle or an intercostal muscle. Ibuprofen and rest are usually the best things for a muscle strain. Follow-up with your surgeon and hopefully you will make a quick recovery.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Dee I appreciate your concern, however it sounds like just what you described, a pulled muscle. You certainly should see your plastic surgeon on Tuesday, but in the meantime Tylenol or Advil may provide some relief. Confirm my advice with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your discomfort.  Best treatment would be to limit any upper arm activities that reproduce or worsen the pain, while taking antiinflammatories to help limit discomfort and swelling.  Hope this helps.

Badar Jan, MD · Answer

Muscle strains can happen even several months after a breast augmentation. Until you see your plastic surgeon I recommend you avoid strenuous activity, use anti inflammatories like motrin or alleve and just do some gentle stretching but not to the point of pain. It will slowly resolve.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jan

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, call your surgeon and if he/she is comfortable ask for a muscle relaxer or prescription pain medications, also ask about ice, etc, good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to contact your surgeon to inform her/him of your suspicion.  Rest the area and apply intermittent ice.  If not contraindicated you can use ibuprofen for pain.  Your surgeon will advise you further as needed.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your discomfort. I would suggest gentle stretching and some light heat and massage. Have your surgeon take a look. Perhaps some physical therapy would help too. I'm sure your implants are fine, but that's why you want to see your surgeon on a routine basis. Best wishes

Joseph Fata, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have pulled a chest wall muscle 13 weeks after surgery, it should not affect the implant because the tissue of the capsule that surrounds the implant if fairly well formed. Ice, ibuprofen, and gentle stretching (not to the point of pain) will all help but you do need to keep your appointment with your plastic surgeon.

What to do if I pulled a muscle 3 months post op?

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Should I be Considered about this Redness from Silicone Strips after Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Soft touch vs cohesive - Any difference in the way they look in the long term?

I have tuberous breasts, can I fix without implants? (photos)

Pink skin on breasts post BA. Is this excessive stretching? (Photo)

Tattoo removal on breast and breast augmentation? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS