What could be the cause of pulling, tugging, and a poking pain after implants?

Question

I had under muscle implants 11 weeks ago and around day 3 felt pain in my left breast near my sternum. Since then the pain has continued and feels like pulling/tugging/poking sensation and the beast is tender. When I bend over I can feel the implant move. I tried to jog and couldn’t because the pain in the left implant. I’ll be making an appointment with my surgeon, but any ideas on what this is?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your continued discomfort after surgery.  Most likely this continued pain is where your chest muscle was released in order to place the implant in a submuscular plane and round out that portion of your breast.  This should have been improving slowly with time, but if it has not, I would talk to your surgeon to ensure other issues are not taking place.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Trimmy,
  
I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain following your surgery. It is not uncommon to experience pain a few weeks after breast augmentation surgery. However, it would be best that you visit your plastic surgeon for proper assessment and intervention to lessen your discomfort, as every surgeon has different approaches in pain management.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

It is crucial to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is important for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

What could be the cause of pulling, tugging, and a poking pain after implants?

Answers (3)