Pain in one breast after breast augmentation (2 months post op).

Question

I'm 2 months post op, I've just started back running and doing my my everyday activities. I've noticed in my left breast i'm getting a pain sensation as if I've torn a muscle when i lift up for something high, run, or bend over - the other breast feels fine. Should i be worried and contact my surgeon (I'm seeing him in October for a post op appointment) or is it likely that I've just torn a muscle or my body getting use to the implants? Just paranoid and don't want anything to be wrong.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Listen to your body. It is too early for your body at this time.After breast implant surgery, I advise the patients to take one week off from work. At that point we take out their stitches and teach them the implant massage technique. We suggest 5 times per day with the massage and no bra for one month. The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At one month, the patients start to wear a soft cup bra with no underwire and can start low impact cardio. At two months they can wear an underwire bra and engage in more strenuous physical activity. Breast massage continues forever, although only once per day.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

If your implant is placed under the muscle it's likely that you will be experiencing more pain. I would avoid anything like lifting for the time being until you have this checked out with your surgeon. If the implant was placed under the muscle you could have a small tear.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The pain that you are describing is quite normal given that you are increasing your activity and exercise.  My advice is to wear a firm fitting sports bra for exercise and report any increased pain or swelling to your plastic surgeon for evaluation.  Best of luck.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients that after breast augmentation surgery it is common for one breast to feel normal and the other to have some discomfort on and off for several months and less and less each month. I recommend that they use an anti-inflammatory if the discomfort lasts for more than a minute. When concerned, it's always best to keep your surgeon in the loop. Hope this information is reassuring.Dr. Ted EisenbergBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Author

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

Two months after breast surgery it is normal to have new scar tissue and nerve pain. If you are running and exercising remember to wear 2 sports bras! If the pain doesn't subside or gets worse I would definitely contact your board certified plastic surgeon before your next scheduled visit. Communication is key to recovery!

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think this is anything to worry about unless it gets worse. It is probably due to scar tissue that is pulling with movement, and should get better with time. If for any reason things get worse then yes, move up your post op appointment. Otherwise, October is fine. Best of luck.

Jared Troy, MD · Answer

This is likely just due to you getting back to normal activity. You are still healing from the operation and your body needs time to figure everything out. Try to ease back into things and listen to your body. You should always feel free to contact your surgeon if you have questions or concerns.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

It is likely the discomfort you experience with raising your arms over head is due to scar tissue pulling on the muscle and/or ribs when you stretch upward.  This should improve with time, but you should discuss this with your surgeon for reassurance.