Pain when Wearing a Bra Post-op

Question

20 days post-BA (250cc silicone moderate profile unders inframmary). At 14 days with surgical strap I felt the implant edge on the left breast. My PS said to stop wearing the strap and try a supportive sport bra. The sport bra hurts: muscle spasms, tightens up, feels like 'let down' when breast feeding. Some numbness and tingles. Have tried different bras. Am massaging. The muscle is tight and ROM is limited on left side. Sensitive to touch. Can feel the implant over most of the left breast.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you are uncomfortable three weeks post-op. Though the symptoms you are reporting are all possible during the healing process following breast augmentation. Sensitivity of the skin to light touch or garments is usually a sign of nerve regeneration or recovery. This usually precedes the return to normal sensation as the nerve recovers. Muscle spasm is also common for patients with implants under the muscle and massage or stretching have been beneficial for many patients. Your stretching should help you recover more range of motion. You should talk to your plastic surgeon about your concerns, as there are medications that may alleviate many of your symptoms until you have fully recovered. Good luck to you.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your surgeon may be wanting to influence the decent of the implants within the breasts over the first six months after surgery as it usually takes several months for the breasts to settle out. If the strap or bra is uncomfortable I would revisit with your surgeon to see if there are other options as comfort is very important after surgery.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Your breasts are settling and the nerve has become irritated and muscles are tight. You are still early in healing and the issues you have mentioned will subside over time. I know it must be hard to deal with this but it really does get better. If you are this concerned then you should speak with your plastic surgeon and have him/ her correlate the symptoms with an exam. He may ask you to go without a bra.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible for muscle spasms to continue postoperatively and this is part of the healing process.  If you have any issues, you should return to your plastic surgeon.   Many patients find the sports bra to be extremely comfortable.  It is desirable for you not to wear a push up or underwire bra during the healing process.

Chen Lee, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is very common after subpectoral implantation. I am not fond of massages with textured implants under under the muscle as it may increase your symptoms and does not decrease capusules from forming. Your implants appear to be well positioned so the need for any type of external bra or straps is unneccessary. Just use what makes you comfortable and time will take care of the rest.

Pain when Wearing a Bra Post-op

Answers (9)