Could this pain 3 weeks after breast augmentation mean I caused a capsulated implant?

Question

I had a breast augmentation 3 weeks ago and today I went to the gym. Did treadmill, some squats and step ups. Later in the day my left breast started hurting (close to the nipple). I massaged it and it felt swollen, burning sensation and hard. During these 3 weeks the bottom part of my breast has been very sensitive and my nipples too. My concern is that I never massaged closed to the nipple only around the breast and I am wondering if I caused a capsulated implant. Should I worry?

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the  question. It  is common to have these pains and discomfort in the first few weeks after breast augmentation. Capsular contracture does not typically present like that; instead, it will be more of a gradual firmness that develops over the course of a few months after the surgery. Best,

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  You probably are having a little muscle spasm after the workout since its been some time since you've been to the gym.  I would maybe decrease the activity level and get some muscle relaxers from surgeon to see if that will help.  Continue routine followups with your surgeon and let him know about the issue.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are in the very early stages of recovery so this discomfort I would assume to be normal.  I typically don't recommend any physical activity, heavy lifting, working out for about 4 weeks and then starting very slow in the gym.  I would suggest speaking with your surgeon and following his or her recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Sensations of tightness in the skin envelope and breast in the first few weeks after breast augmentation are to be expected and should not be interpreted as capsular contracture.  Capsular contracture is progressive, whereas swelling and tightness should resolve. Burning and tingling sensations along with shock-like sensations in the first several months following breast augmentation should reduce in frequency and intensity as the body heals.  If there are continued concerns for capsular contracture and the breasts feel hard, your plastic surgeon should examine you.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your painful breast symptoms.  After an augmentation the nerves of the skin are stretched as a result of swelling and the increased volume of the implants.  This stretching irritates the nerves which can cause a number of different nipple and breast skin sensations including increased/decreased sensitivity or a burning feeling.  These normally resolve spontaneously given enough time. Your additional gym workout likely stressed the nerves further and may have resulted in your symptoms. It is unlikely that a capsular contracture has started to develop at 3 weeks.  Hang in there and be sure to mention these issues to your surgeon during your post-operative appointments, they should provide you with the best reassurance.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Without an examination it's difficult to say what may be occurring.  You may have done too much too soon as you are still early in your recovery.  I encourage you to minimize your activity level and contact your surgeon if the area does not improve or worsens.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. All the sensations you're mentioning are normal for 3 weeks post op. The firmness could be swelling in the breast, but patients mention an electrical shock towards their nipples during recovery which is associated with nerves. With that being said, I recommend my patients wait 4 weeks prior to any bouncing, whether that be the elliptical, or running on the treadmill, and I recommend to pec muscle activity until 6 weeks post-op, but every surgeons post-op protocol is different. Just make sure you're following your BCPS's. With that being said the increase in activity in the gym 3 weeks post-op could be causing extra inflammation but its highly unlikely that you're experiencing capsular contracture. Good luck and best wishes!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I don't have my patient's massage their breasts , there is no study that shows it prevents capsular contracture.  You may just be sore from your work out and feel your pec muscle tightening.  For reassurance , I would follow up with your PS.

Could this pain 3 weeks after breast augmentation mean I caused a capsulated implant?

Answers (8)

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