Tightness on inside of breast when I laugh, cough, or move around. Capsular contracture?

Question

From the day of surgMy R breast hurt worse. Now it's 2 wks post op and on the inside of my breast (near sternum) I feel this tightness going vertically when I laugh, cough or carry something like my purse on that arm. . I am massaging like crazy and my breast is soft. I am wondering if it is just my pec just still fighting about the implant or if it is a capsule starting. I am worried out of my mind. I put a pic and placed my finger where the tightness is. Feels like a rubber band. Thank you!!

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

This pain and tightness is occurring where the muscle has been cut. The muscle just needs to heal and stretch out some more. These symptoms are not consistent with capsular contracture.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The soft nature of the breast argues against capsular contracture.

	 

	 

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, your tightness near the sternum is most likely due to your pec muscle stretching. You are only two weeks out from breast augmentation. Your body (muscle) has to adjust around the implant. Since your surgery is so recent and that the implants are soft, I doubt that you have capsular contracture. Try not to worry too much. Follow your plastic surgeon's recommendation and continue massaging your implants and scars.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

usually means nothing bad is happening.  Anticipate the pains to diminish with time and keep your surgeon informed of your concerns.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are still havign some discomfort where the muscle is often dividied. If concerned, it is best to see your surgeon.

Tightness on inside of breast when I laugh, cough, or move around. Capsular contracture?

Answers (5)