Pain behind incision when I move: I’m 5 weeks post op, right side great, left side hurts when I move.

Question

If I lay flat on my back I feel like my muscle is pulling or like my muscle is stitched to my rib and it can’t stretch. This only happens with my left side. It only happens when I move a certain way and basically use muscles around my left breast. I push where hurt, it’s not the incision that hurts, it’s something that is behind the incision on my rib cage or muscle or something. Told doc about this at 1 weeks and 3 weeks post.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear girlygirl,
Sorry to hear that you are still having pain in one area 5 weeks post-op.  It is not unusual.  Many times it is scar tissue, damaged muscle or an inflamed nerve.  
Massages and stretching the area sometimes help (after first causing a bit more discomfort).  Many times, the pain goes away on its own, over time.  If it is really bothersome and continues for several more weeks, you may ask to take a Medrol dose pack (a steroid medication that is taken for 5 days).
I have had very good results with placing a very small drop of steroid injected near the painful spot only in cases where nothing else worked.  Your surgeon must be comfortable injecting near an implant (can be very dangerous), but it almost always relieves the pain.
Best of luck.
Dr T

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Some pain after your breast augmentation isn't unusual, even five weeks postop.  My recommendations are:- Continue to follow up with your surgeon;- Ask whether or not you would benefit from some type of soft tissue management, like massage therapy.If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc”

Pain behind incision when I move: I’m 5 weeks post op, right side great, left side hurts when I move.

Answers (3)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

I have been diagnosed with a hematoma almost 2 week post op and instructed to just rest and medicate.

Is it safe to have a breast augmentation with a couple of cysts? Could it be removed during the surgery?

Will my implants drop further after 3 months? I'm so unhappy with my results. (Photos)

Bruised sternum: It’s been 6 days since my surgery. (Photo)

Is there a less painful way to remove the surgical tape?

My vagina is swollen after breast augmentation, is this a concern?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS