Sharp pain after breast augmentation. Have I pulled a muscle?

Question

Hello, I had a breast augmentation 1 week and 5 days ago. I had the dual plan technique done. On about day 8 when moving around I put my arm into a position that kind of felt like I pulled a muscle momentarily or something. Now I am getting these sharp kind of tight muscle pains at the top of my implant right near my under arm. The pain is not constant it only occurs when I move the arm a certain way and also in the morning when I start moving it seems to happen. Is this a pulled muscle or something else?

Dean Trotter, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Relax.  It is only very early after your surgery and it is normal to have pains similar to the one you describe.  Any submuscular technique (including dual plane) involves some cutting of the pectoral muscle - in effect this is a torn muscle - so it is common to have some discomfort on certain movements that stretches the muscle.I would expect it to settle down over the next few weeks.  If you have any increased swelling or pain, or it simply is not improving, you should contact your PS.Kind regards,Dean

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Don’t worry, pain is normal even 7 weeks after a revision. Regeneration of the sensory nerves is accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains which disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about. If, however, swelling, redness, infection, or drainage accompanies this, then you will need to see the doctor at the office. Nipple numbness may or may not persist, but usually comes back within a year.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

In the absence of major size increase-chances of a serious problem are minimal. Follow your doctor's post op instructions and stay close in touch with him and the office

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

This is a common concern for women after breast implant surgery.  The submuscular placement can result theoretically in muscular sharp pains that are transient and dissipate with increased activity and time. The dual plane technique is although possible, if done as originally described, does not typically add any discomfort to our patients.  I use this technique specifically when one's breasts have some droop or ptosis.  Usually ibuprofen and slow gentle active range of motion will help alleviate any muscular pain in my patients.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Given your implants are under your muscle, most likely these pains are just related to normal healing from surgery.  Part of that muscle was cut to have the implants placed, so certain movements early in the recovery, will cause pain and discomfort.  Continue to follow with your plastic surgeon and good luck in the rest of your recovery.

Sharp pain after breast augmentation. Have I pulled a muscle?

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