400cc, HP, dual plane, textured, 6 months post-op & muscle squeezing sensation after yoga, is this normal?

Question

I am 6 months post op (400cc HP textured dual plane implants 34A > 32D). I haven't exercised upper body post surgery but in the last 2 weeks I picked up some basic yoga again. I have developed a sensation of my muscle squeezing against my implant when it contracts. Is this normal/muscle strain? I am worried it could be capsular contracture. Is there anything I can do to restore comfort? No pain or visible issues at all - I just feel uncomfortable especially when engaging my muscle even gently!

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

What you describe sounds normal. It took me several months to get used to doing any chest exercises at all. I don’t think I tried anything like yoga or pushups for at least a year because it felt so weird. But once I got through the adjustment phase, I can do any activity I want.

With textured implants, they “stick” to your tissue a bit more and may make the sensation of muscle contraction more noticeable. I did have one patient who never felt comfortable doing chest workouts, but that is quite rare since most of my patients are able to get back to full activity, including yoga, tennis, and golf.

As long as you don’t see any change in shape or position and don’t have chronic discomfort, it’s not concerning for capsular contracture.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ph637,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

A squeezing sensation post operatively when returning to exercise sounds entirely normal.

Remember, your implants sit (at least partially) beneath your pectoralis major muscle. This runs from chest to shoulder and is engaged in upper body exercise (i.e. chest press/bench press).

I will typically caution against a return to exercise before 4 weeks. Once started a slow escalation over the following 2 weeks is best with a goal of reaching baseline by 6-8 weeks.

It is difficult to make a diagnosis of capsular contracture without an in-person exam. That being said, contracture rates are lower in submuscular/dual plane augmentation. 6 months is also very early.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

Your tissues will naturally feel tight when you begin stretching after surgery.  The question is whether or not this tightness is normal recovery or perhaps early capsular contracture (abnormally thickened scar tissue around the implant) .  Check with your doc if it persists or gets worse.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you are just starting to exercise, you may have some soreness. However, I suggest being seen by your surgeon just to check and make sure there is no capsule contracture.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The sensations that you describe sound normal for someone returning to exercise after breast augmentation.  Be sure to listen to your body and progress slowly to your previous routines.  Rest the area if it seems you have overdone it.  If you have persistent concerns, check with your surgeon.

400cc, HP, dual plane, textured, 6 months post-op & muscle squeezing sensation after yoga, is this normal?

Answers (6)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Breast Implants Questions

200cc good for me? (Photo)

Is it safe for me to lie flat on saline over the muscle breast implants?

Should I get a breast lift or implants alone? 26 years old, 75C but want fuller, perkier breasts (Photos)

39, 120lbs, 5'5 - breast implants 7 years after lift without implants, would they cut into the scars I already have? (Photos)

Is this capsular contracture? My implants are about 22 years old. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Is there a way to predict end results before moving forward with surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS