Can shoulder and arm fatigue and achiness be normal 4 weeks post op from breast augmentation?

Hello,Thank you for your question. Yes, some discomfort and muscle weakness can be present at 4 weeks post op. I allow my patients to begin resuming upper body workouts and strenuous activity with the arms at 6 weeks post op. Initially I advise them to start light and work their way up to more weight because it will take some time for your muscles to adjust. Let your Plastic Surgeon know if you have ongoing issue.All the best

You have posted a wonderful question and the answer is yes - you can still be having surgery related discomfort 4 weeks after surgery.  Every one heals differently and it is not uncommon for one side to be a little more uncomfortable than the other.  Ensure that you have good follow up with your surgeon to make sure the remainder of your recovery is smooth.

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery symptoms.  Because the muscle that your implants are placed under attaches to your upper arm bone it is not uncommon to have shoulder/arm fatigue during your recovery.  This improves with time as the cramping in the muscle relaxes and your tissues stretch.  Voice your concerns to your surgeon, they are in the best position to provide you reassurance.  

Thank you for your question. It is very common for there to be shoulder pain following breast augmentation. This is often related to stiffness and lack of use of the shoulder. You should contact your plastic surgeon as he/she may have advice for exercises to help soften the shoulder. It is also important for them to see you and ensure there is not another reason for the shoulder pain such as seroma or hematoma. Best of Luck!

Absolutely. Especially when the implant is beneath the pectoral muscle there can be chest and upper extremely discomfort associated with movement. It just takes time – but eventually all the discomfort will subside. In the meanwhile, I think it is important to continue to use the arm and shoulder to avoid stiffness in your joints. Just don't overdo it!

Thanks for the question.  Typically any discomfort is resolved by 4 weeks but can at times take up to 8-12 weeks.  Usually the people that I have seen that have arm and shoulder discomfort are thinner women that were smaller breasted to begin with and have a substantial increase in breast size with implants.  The muscles need time to stretch and accommodate the new implants.  Sometimes patients surrounding muscles tense up in reaction to the new implants and result in discomfort in the shoulders and arms.  Massaging is a usual part of my practice and I tell my patients to start this a few weeks after surgery.  Ask your surgeon if this is appropriate for you at this time.  In all likelihood this will resolve with time and massage.