Chest muscle pull or capsular contracture? (Photo)

Question

BA in dec’17 under the muscle. Almost 2 months ago (9 months post BA), I did some pull-ups. I felt a lot of pain in my upper left chest a few hours later. It also felt firmer on the top half compared to my right (both equally soft on the bottom half) although it looks the same. I still feel the occasional dull ache (worse after carrying weights) in the upper half but I can’t visit my doctor as I am overseas. Could it be the onset of CC or just a very bad muscle pull? Will massaging help?

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

From what you describe, it sounds like you have pulled a chest muscle doing pull-ups and lifting weights. A pulled muscle should resolve with muscle rest and ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory. Capsular contracture occurs over weeks to months and is the result of scar tissue that forms gradually around the implant. The scar tissue squeezes and distorts the appearance of the implant and gradually results  in increased pain. Hope that helps to explain!

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

From what you are describing, it does sound like you may have strained the muscle.  These can take a long time to heal.  I recommend light massage a few times a day and using a heating pad as needed.  Use Advil/ Motrin/ Alleve as well for the anti-inflammatory effects.  Avoid any chest exercises for a month and allow the muscle to heal.  It does not sound like CC, but if the entire breast becomes firmer over time, make sure to have a follow up examination.  I hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your upper chest discomfort.  Based on your narrative it seems most likely that a muscle pull or spasming caused the pain and it should improve given time, rest, and therapy.  If you have felt a hardening of your left implant then I would discuss this finding with your surgeon.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi pooltime2, 
  
Capsular contracture is a condition that occur when the tissue surrounding the implant area tightens and contracts around the implant, resulting in unnaturally firm, distorted breast shapes that can sometimes be painful. 
  
Correction generally requires removal of the implant, removal of the scar tissue, pocket repair, and fat grafting or new implant placement. If caught early enough, capsular contracture can sometimes be improved with medication and massage techniques. 
  
We do not know what exactly causes capsular contracture but we do know several evidenced based techniques that can be used to prevent it from happening in the first place and to help prevent it from coming back for revision cases.
  
It would be best to visit a board certified plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott W. Harris, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm leaning toward a pulled muscle. Everything you're describing is typical for that diagnosis, but the only way to be sure is to see your doctor. I'd start Advil or something like that and not do any lifting until you feel better... Good luck!

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Chest muscle pull or capsular contracture? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Post Op Capsular Contracture?`

Answer: Post Op Capsular Contracture?`

Answer: Cap Con or pulled muscle?

Answer: Cap Con or pulled muscle?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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