Problem with my implant? Muscle tear or capsular contracture?

Question

I had an anchor lift with implants 3.5 years ago. 2 months ago I felt I tore my pectoral muscle trying pull ups at the gym. No workouts since then but the pain is getting TERRIBLE now radiates to my shoulder and neck and is constant. My breast is swollen and now breast is about 1/4th inch higher than the other. Made apt with surgeon finally week 8. He said it could be contracture or just a tear. I am to keep going to ortho doc and PT follow up withnsurgeon in a month. Any ideas what I should do?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Please take it easy and do not do any physically demanding activities to minimize the risk of further damage. All you can do is wait, but I recommend you see your surgeon as soon as possible. Best of luck.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Based on your history, a muscle strain or tear would be the #1 diagnosis.  Rest - no gym at all -, use heat, and anti-inflammatories, and give it about 4-6 weeks to heal.  Follow-up with your surgeons, as you mentioned.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

You can usually tell the difference with contractures usually not hurting until well established with deformity versus acute symptoms following an event you clearly recall.  Regardless, you do need a face to face visit with your surgeon.  In the meantime, resting that side and anti-inflammatories are simple things you can do while waiting.  Wishing you the best...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like by your description that you had a muscle tear.  A capsular contracture is a clinical diagnosis and an exam would often be definitive.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The medical history that you give seems to point to a musculoskeletal problem and not a capsular contracture.  With rest and time it is likely to get better.  If the tightness of the breast gets worse then it could be a capsular contracture.  Your plan to follow up with your plastic surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon seem reasonable.

Problem with my implant? Muscle tear or capsular contracture?

Answers (8)

Answer: Muscle tear vs capsular contracture

Answer: Muscle tear vs capsular contracture

Answer: Possible muscular tear following a breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Possible muscular tear following a breast augmentation and lift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Problem with my implant? Muscle tear or capsular contracture?

Answers (8)

Answer: Muscle tear vs capsular contracture

Answer: Muscle tear vs capsular contracture

Answer: Possible muscular tear following a breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Possible muscular tear following a breast augmentation and lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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