Are muscle cramps in the chest normal after surgery?

Question

I had a breast augmentation surgery a week ago. My recovery has been fairly easy, however I am experience really sharp pains in my chest. If I try to massage the area at all, especially pushing from the outside of the breast in, the pain feels more like a muscular cramp.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question about muscle
cramps in the chest after breast augmentation surgery.  This is quite common after breast augmentation
when the implants are placed under the chest wall muscle.  The muscle has to be lifted from the chest
wall, and the implant has to be placed underneath.  This stretching of the muscle often causes
cramps, muscle spasms, and discomfort that may last for two to three weeks,
depending on the size of the implant that was been placed.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You are still very early
in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling
to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Swelling usually
accounts for 10 - 15% of the initial post-operative appearance. The implants
may swell asymmetrically, as in your case, but usually settle evenly. Please
discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make
sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions
regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra.

Regards,

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle spasm is common, Sometimes i will prescribe flexeril or related medications to decrease spasm after breast augmentation.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Pain and #discomfort vary per patient and your provided pain medication may help alleviate #discomfort. Healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting pains will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. It is also common depending on the placement of the implant. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help.Most importantly, you should make an appointment to discuss your healing concerns with your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your muscle cramps.  If your implants were placed underneath your chest muscle it is common to have cramping take place due to swelling and the stretch placed on the muscle by your implants.  This will resolve as your swelling resolves but the discomfort can improve with the use of a muscle relaxant.  Talk to your surgeon's office about your symptoms, they should be able to provide you with assistance.  Best wishes.

Are muscle cramps in the chest normal after surgery?

Answers (5)

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