Breast augmentation 6 months post op. Chronic dull ache after bad cough. Should I be concerned or is my muscle still repairing?

Question

Breast augmentation 6 months ago. The past 3 weeks I've had a bad cough and begun to experience pain in my left breast. It is definitely muscular pain but now it's a chronic dull ache which hurts more with running up stairs, lying on side etc. I still have a slight cough which hurts a lot Prior to this cough I went for a back massage and found my breasts were in agony after lying on my tummy. Is this normal? Could the muscle still be repairing at this point post surgery?

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With any breast implant procedure, you can expect discomfort and swelling intermittently within the first year. New activities such as upper body workouts, laying on your stomach, and even coughing can cause a short period of additional discomfort as the pectoral muscles are working with the added tension of the implant depending on if the location is above or below the muscle. If you are experiencing extreme discomfort, I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

At 6 months, the muscle and implant pocket are usually well healed, but a strong or prolonged cough can still strain the pectoral, rib, or chest wall muscles. Pain that worsens with coughing, running upstairs, side lying, or direct pressure during a massage can fit with musculoskeletal irritation rather than the implant itself still "repairing."

Because this is one-sided and has become a persistent dull ache, you should contact your treating breast surgeon for an exam so they can check the implant position, pocket, breast tissue, and chest wall. Seek same-day medical care if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, fever, new breast firmness, implant position change, fluid drainage, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Until you are assessed, avoid lying directly on the breasts, reduce activities that trigger the pain, and use only medications your own doctor says are safe for you.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
You may have pulled a muscle while coughing. Reach out to your surgeon to be evaluated. Best wishes!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Usually by the 6 month point after surgery everything is well healed, or course if you are not used to laying on your stomach and started doing that it is normal to have some aches and pains for a day. Regarding the cough difficult to say why that continues to happen. I would speak to your plastic surgeon and express your concerns.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I recommend you see your plastic surgeon in person to address pain and your primary care doctor to address your cough. Hard to comment without an exam, such pain not common at six months after surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear torkyl2010,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
Final would healing may take up to 1 year to be fully complete, and the muscular pains you are experiencing may be related to that. 
I would discuss your questions and concerns with you Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Experiencing a chronic dull ache in the breast six months post-breast augmentation, especially after a bad cough, warrants attention and evaluation by your healthcare provider. While some discomfort and sensation changes can be normal during the healing process after surgery, persistent pain that arises or worsens after a specific event like a cough should be examined.
Here are some possible reasons for the pain:
1.	Muscle Strain: The coughing episode might have strained the muscles around the breast area, leading to discomfort. However, this pain typically resolves within a few days.
2.	Implant-related Issues: It's possible that there could be an issue with the implant itself, such as capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant) or implant rupture. These conditions can cause pain or discomfort and may require medical attention.
3.	Infection: Although less common, infections can occur months after surgery. If there's redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the incision site, it could indicate an infection.
4.	Other Complications: Other potential complications, such as hematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of fluid), could cause persistent discomfort.
5.	Muscle Repair: It's also possible that the muscles are still healing and repairing, especially if the implants were placed under the muscle (submuscular placement).
Given the potential reasons for the pain, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon for a proper evaluation. They can assess your condition, perform any necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment or reassurance based on their findings. It's always better to address any concerns promptly to ensure optimal healing and outcomes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The discomfort that you describe is likely a combination of tissues that are still healing from surgery along with the muscle stress from your cough.  It should improve as you continue to heal.  I encourage you to discuss this with your surgeon if you do not notice improvement in the next week or so.

Breast augmentation 6 months post op. Chronic dull ache after bad cough. Should I be concerned or is my muscle still repairing?

Answers (9)

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