After a body massage I have pain under and around my implants. Did the massage or laying on my belly hurt my implants?

Question

I had a fully body massage yesterday. I didn't feel pain during the massage but laying on my belly towards the end I was starting to feel a little discomfort. A few hours later I continued to feel sore and pain. It feels like it is under and around my implants. I actually can press on my ribs closest to under my breast and feel the pain there and along my sternum. I have saline filled implants, under the muscle and they were put in 4 years ago. They are still soft to the touch and moveable.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Laying on your implants with pressure applied to your back may cause some mild musculoskeletal pain and soreness to develop which should improve within a day or two.  If there has been a change to your breast appearance or the pain persists, see your board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to ensure all is well.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

The recovery after surgery is a topic I spend a lot of time on during the initial consultation with my breast augmentation patients. I ask to limit all physical activity for three weeks after surgery. The patient is asked to massage gently at four weeks.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A fully body massage may have, in fact, caused you to have sore muscles.  It would be unlikely that your implants are damaged because of a massage.  Should the pain continue, best to consult with your physician.  Good Luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A vigorous massage could surely create some soreness in the areas you describe. However the integrity the implants would not be jeopardized by even the most vigorous of massages.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

I agree that if there was no significant change in the stiffness or position of the implants everything should be OK. Most patients are able to sleep on their stomachs as little as 4-6 weeks after surgery.  I'm not sure how often you get body massages, although a possibility is that some irregular pressure was put on the muscles surrounding your implant during the massage and the muscles were stretched - resulting in muscle soreness for that area. I would not be worried but if the pain persists and you want more information I suggest calling your board certified plastic surgeon or scheduling an appointment with him or her. Best wishesJaime Perez, MDBreast Augmentation SpecialistPlastic Surgery Center of Tampa

After a body massage I have pain under and around my implants. Did the massage or laying on my belly hurt my implants?

Answers (5)