Did my muscle stitches tear post surgery for breast implant? (Photo)

Question

Right implant replaced 6 mo ago. 350cc sal to 550cc sil under the muscle. Muscle spasms and tightness. Developed tearing pains underside of breast. feels like torn muscle but will not heal. Throbbing pain in breast and upper back when sitting or using arm. PS did not do phys exam when I asked. Told me it can't be the implant and to seek imaging of my back from my PCP. Did my muscle stitches tear? What should I do to seek treatment?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sleighs87,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

Hello,
I can see how this would be very frustrating, you shouldn’t be having pain at this point. From the picture, everything looks ok though.
Surgeons often don’t put stitches in the muscle during this surgery, and even if they did it shouldn’t be an issue at this point.
You could be developing capsular contracture or maybe you developed a painful neuroma after the surgery, a surgeon would need to evaluate for these, if your surgeon does not believe you have capsular contracture or a neuroma then it would be smart to evaluate your back and shoulder, but ultimately if none of these evaluations come up with some way for you to get relief, I would consider removing the implants. Hope you get better soon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implant is too large and stressing your muscles. You need to go back down in size, probably no more than 450 cc's, for comfort.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What do you describe is not typical.
Most patients have mild soreness for the first couple of weeks which usually dissipates over time.
Part of the pectoral muscle is always cut when implants is placed under the picas muscle. This typically is part of that initial postoperative pain patients experience after the procedure.
It is an unusual for pain the last as long as yours.
always cut when implants is placed under the picas muscle. This typically is part of that initial postoperative pain patients experience after the procedure.
It is unusual for pain the last as long as yours.
Breast pain is very common, and there really isn’t much. Your plastic surgeon can do regarding your discomfort. the surgery is done well or not shouldn’t affect the sensation or increased the chance of long-term pain after breast documentation. 
You can always schedule a few second opinion consultations with other providers in your community but I don’t think you’re going to find much help from plastic surgeons regarding ongoing discomfort in your breast.
I wish I could be more helpful.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Did my muscle stitches tear post surgery for breast implant? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain after cosmetic surgery

Answer: Pain after cosmetic surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Did my muscle stitches tear post surgery for breast implant? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain after cosmetic surgery

Answer: Pain after cosmetic surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.