Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

Question

I am 5 wks post op breast lift with implants. My left breast has dropped and looks and feels fine. However, my right hasn't moved much. My doctor gave me some little things to do to help it, but as I told him, it feels as though my skin on my rt rib cage is going to rip. Almost like it's attached to something under the skin, preventing my breast from dropping. This also happens when I stretch above my head. Any ideas on what this may be?

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Many of our patients experience this sensation in our practice.  They describe it as a burning, or pulling along the bottom rib.  The muscle is elevated off of the lower ribs during a BA and Lift.  We have always felt this was the cause, and over time it resolves.However, you right breast has not dropped, and this could be part of the reason you have this sensation.  lt is possible you have actual stitching in this area.  So keep your surgeon in the loop.  Continue with whatever is recommended to help your right implant drop!  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to have a variety of atypical sensations following breast augmentation and breast lift surgery. These sensations are often related to scar formation, swelling, the healing process, inflammation, structural sutures and nerve regeneration. In the vast majority of cases, they resolve with the passage of time.It's important to discuss these abnormal sensations with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon has specific information about your procedure that might explain their origin. In most cases, gentle massage of the area will facilitate resolution of these symptoms and make the post-operative experience more comfortable.

Parit A. Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  After a mastopexy augmentation or breast lift with implant, patients can experience "pulling" sensations or "tightness" with movement.  This can occur from swelling, scarring, irritation to nerves in the skin etc.  It is also not uncommon to have one breast drop more than another early in the post operative time period.  Over time, the right breast should drop and become more symmetric.  I recommend reaching out to your board certified plastic surgeon to address your concerns.  Good luck and I hope this helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Posted photo does not appear abnormal. But over the internet very hard to advise in these cases. Best to seek IN PERSON second opinions...

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

I always say, if the two breasts would heal at the same pace and act the same, it would alleviate allot of worry and concern.  They usually heal at least a little differently and what you describe can completely be attributed to differences in sensation and nerve regeneration.   And unfortunately, the breast can also "drop" at different rates which is also aggravating but completely expected.  I would recommend mend you try and be patient and continue to follow up with your doctor as often as you need. It really does take a minimum of three months for the swelling to resolve and things to settle. I hope this helps.  Best of luck.

Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

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Answer: Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

Answer: Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

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Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

Answer: Pulling, ripping pain under the skin, in rib cage area 5wks post breast lift and implant. Normal? (photo)

Answer: Breast lift with implants

Answer: Breast lift with implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.