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Can Breast Implants Cause a Muscle Tear?

I just had under the muscle silicone 325cc's implants about 2 weeks ago. My left breast has always been more sore, swollen, and somewhat painful. I just noticed the pain getting worse, to the point to sneeze, breathe hard, move wrong way, or bend over causes "scream out loud" pain. I also noticed last night under the breast when I outstretch my arm something protruding out...like a muscle or tendon. Is this somethind to worry about? Dr. said to come in Tues and didn't seem concerned at all??

Doctor Answers 6

Pain after breast augmentation

August 3rd, 2010
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Experiencing increasingly excruciating pain 2 weeks after breast augmentation is unusual, and you should be examined to determine exactly the cause of the pain and appropriate treatment. Muscle tears usually do not present as something protruding out from your arm.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD


New York Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Implants themselves cannot cause a muscle tear

October 23rd, 2011
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Surgery to insert implants could cause a muscle tear. This can be evaluated best with an MRI and then your plastic surgeon can evaluate and make a recommendation. The problem could also be a capsular contracture or a hematoma. First, you need an evaluation and a differential diagnosis. Best of luck.
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
New York Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 42 reviews

Muscle tear after implants

January 14th, 2011
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When an implant is placed under the muscle, the muscle is deliberately cut to allow the proper positioning of the implant.  It is hard to say what the band is that you are seeing or feeling without an exam.

Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

Can breast implants cause muscle tear

August 4th, 2010
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A tear in the muscle could be caused by putting too much pressure on the muscle during normal daily activities, quick heavy lifting, during sports, or performing work tasks.It is hard to say without examining you. I would definitely get a mammogram to make sure there are no suspicious findings. The pain could caused from physical activity that put too much strain on your breast. In that case, the pain should subside within a few weeks. The pain could also be linked to capsular contracture or maye even a loose pocket judging by the symptoms you described. You should see your board-certified plastic surgeon, especially if the pain is not going away.

Sam Speron, MD

Sam Speron, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review

Need to rule out hematoma after breast implants.

August 2nd, 2010
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Hi.

Not sure, but one thing I would do is a sonogram. It will tell your plastic surgeon if you have a hematoma (collection of blood) in your left breast, that needs to be removed.  Really no such thing as muscle tear in this context.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired)

George J. Beraka, MD (retired)
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 9 reviews

Mondor's disease and breast augmentation with implants: palpable or visible cord like tendon under breast fold

August 2nd, 2010
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This is commonly referred to as "Mondor's disease" based on your description and is very common 2-3 weeks after surgery and tends to resolve. However, the level of pain you describle is somewhat unusual and merits attention.

Web reference: http://www.bodysculptor.com/breast-surgery-chicago/

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 82 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.