How Long Do Muscle Spasms After a Breast Augmentation Last?

Question

I have gone from a small B cup to having 500 cc implants. I am having to take Valium just to perform the exercises to form the pockets.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for
patients to have muscle spasm following breast augmentation, especially when
large implants are placed beneath the pectoralis muscles. In most cases, spasm
has resolved in three to four weeks following surgery. In the short term muscle
relaxants, stretching and massage can provide relief and shorten the duration
of muscle spasm.

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

It is quite common to have muscle spasms after having breast augmentation under the muscle. The pectoralis muscle is cut along the breast fold and a breast implant is then placed under the muscle. The muscle is therefore stretched, contracts and has spasms for several weeks after breast augmentation. Stretching exercises where you would lift your arms over your head help to reduce spasms. Massaging the muscle also helps. Some surgeons prescribe muscle relaxers or Valium to help with muscle pain. It is normal to have spasms for 3-4 weeks after breast augmentation.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The muscle spasms usually break in the first two weeks or so.  After that, it is typical for the spasms to be intermittent for a month.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Those are some big implants.  You could expect some muscle spasms.  They will get better in time.  Probably several months.  Best of luck.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for the fantastic question -
Muscle spasm after sub-pectoral breast augmentation can be caused by the stretch of the pect. muscle when the implant is placed beneath it.  However blood and manipulation can also cause muscle spasm.  The larger the implant the more likely the spasm.
Typically the spasm resolves after about 1 - 2 weeks as the muscle irritation decreases.  
In our San Francisco area practice we have worked extensively on a regimen that reduces spasm which includes medications for the first few days as well as specific exercises for patients more prone to spasm.
I hope this helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is quite normal and it generally appears that this tends to persist for about 3 weeks after surgery. Patients often not that it is worse at night occurring between 3-6AM.
I have recommended Valium for this but occasionally a stronger muscle relaxant such as flexeril is benieficial.
I have found that upper extremity range of motion exercises performed every hour are quite benefical in decreasing these spasms. Perform these only after discussing it with your surgeon.

Bahram Ghaderi, MD · Answer

Muscle spams are common after augmentation. However, the larger the implant, the more that would be expected and likely will last longer. If the exercises you are instructed to do are causing inappropriate discomfort, then talk to your surgeon about holding off until you have recovered more. Your pocket is created at the time of surgery and not by the massaging afterwards. See your surgeon and review your concerns.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, the muscle spasms after breast implants resolves after a few weeks. We often give our patient valium to take follow surgery to help relax the muscles and relieve any anxiety. You had fairly large implants placed, so your muscles are being stretched significantly. You are still very early after surgery, so you should expect improvement soon. Good luck.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

For your individual situation, you need to speak to your surgeon. In general muscle spasms can subside in 3-4 weeks depending on the size of the implant.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Most muscle spasms resolve in one to two weeks, but with large implants like yours they can last 4-6 weeks. If manipulation of the implants is causing the spasm talk to your surgeon about holding off on the exercises until your muscles have stretched and relaxed a bit more. Best of luck.

How Long Do Muscle Spasms After a Breast Augmentation Last?

Answers (16)

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