My back was hurting tremendously and my husband was trying to help stretch and he pulled my arms too far back. 1.5 weeks post-op

Question

I have breast implants a week and half ago. My back was hurting tremendously and my husband was trying to help stretch and he pulled my arms too far back. I felt immediate severe pain on the inside in between both breasts like something was tearing. Since I have been in quite a bit of pain in both breasts and in my ribs all the way around. I have no bruises and some swelling. They both appear to have shrunk quite a bit and dropped. Have I damaged something in the pocket or stretched it to far?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hdiane,  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. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Probably not. When concerned, though, always best to be evaluated in person by your surgeon. At one week you are about 5 percent healed, shaped, softened, dropped and fluffed. "Drop and fluff" refers to the fact that as the skin stretches and the muscles relax, the implants move down and out slowly – about 1 percent a day. It’ll be about six weeks before they even begin to settle down, but they’ll be close to 80 percent settled and softened at three months. Watching their progress is like watching your hair grow. You don’t see a difference in your hair growth daily, but all of a sudden you need a haircut. 
Be patient after surgery. Give yourself a few months before making a judgment about your surgical results. You won't know the outcome until then. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

I assume your implants are submuscular thus your concern.  If you didn't have swelling or bruising then I don't think you tore or disrupted anything.  Best of Luck.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is unlikely that you have done any real damage, it would be a good idea to let your surgeon know and have them take a look.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

This is a question you have to ask your surgeon.  You will also need a physical examination.  We usually do not put sutures in the area that you felt pain.  However, that area is stretched upon placement of the implant and some tissue fibers are intentionally stretched during surgery.  I would advice that you go see your Plastic Surgeon.

My back was hurting tremendously and my husband was trying to help stretch and he pulled my arms too far back. 1.5 weeks post-op

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Answer: Pain after stretch

Answer: Breast Implant

Answer: Breast Implant

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My back was hurting tremendously and my husband was trying to help stretch and he pulled my arms too far back. 1.5 weeks post-op

Answers (5)

Answer: Pain after stretch

Answer: Pain after stretch

Answer: Breast Implant

Answer: Breast Implant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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