2 years post-op. Left breast has doubled in size. Can a torn chest muscle cause swelling over an implant?

Question

Swelling 2 years after breast implants, unsure if i have pulled a muscle. Left breast has doubled in size and slightly tender as if a muscle had been pulled.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

doubt that you have acutely torn a muscle . I think that woud be more painful,, please make an apt to see your surgeon,

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

This is something that you need to see your plastic surgeon for. Yes it is possible that a torn muscle would cause swelling but you cannot assume that.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

A pulled muscle would not cause as much swelling, and if it was a pulled muscle, you should be experiencing aching pain even with small movements of the arm. The best course of action would be to see your primary care physician and have the area checked.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! Couple notes: Usually a pulled muscle wont induce swelling of that size, and had you pulled a muscle you'd have fairly acute pain to incite swelling of that degree. I would recommend seeing your PCP and requesting imaging and/or returning to your surgeon. As a side note to consider, these symptoms are approximately how BIA-ALCL presented in a patient that came to me to have her textured implants removed. Rare, but not unheard of. Best of luck!

Paul Tulley, MD, MBBS, FRCS(Plastic) · Answer

This extent of swelling 2 years after surgery needs to be assessed by your surgeon in conjunction with an ultrasound scan as a minimum.It would be unlikely for a muscle tear to cause this degree of swelling, other causes need to be investigated.Good luck with your treatment.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,There are a multitude of possible causes for your unexpected painful and enlarged breast. This is a problem requiring immediate re-examination and evaluation by your plastic surgeon.Care and diagnostic options should be discussed. Mammograms or breast MRI may be recommended.Best Regards,

2 years post-op. Left breast has doubled in size. Can a torn chest muscle cause swelling over an implant?

Answers (6)

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