Pain 3 months post op, could this be a muscle strain?

Hi usteph,

Downtime and recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies.

The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. When it comes to exercising and other activities, it may also vary depending on the type of exercises or activities you are going to perform.

I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

At 7 weeks post-op, it is still not advisable to engage in strenuous activities involving excessive arm and shoulder movement and most especially on your pectoral muscles. These activities may cause stress and eventually pain in the still healing tissues and may delay the process of healing. It would be best to have your surgeon examine you personally to make sure you did not incur a serious injury. 

I have my patients refrain from doing any push-ups, "flies," or chest presses for 3 months after a submuscular augmentation.  At seven weeks, if you did some of these exercises, or any that put stress on the pectoral muscles, that could explain the pain. I would check with your surgeon if it is OK to take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen.