Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

Question

I had my BA surgery 11 days ago. 350 cc silicone, under the muscle. Today at work, someone surprised me with a huge bear hug – my arms were above my head and they squeezed me so tightly & spun me around. It was excruciatingly painful on my right side. Now my right breast is very sore to the touch, in the upper/outer area. I just want to make sure there are no issues I need to be concerned with regarding possibly tearing a capsule, displacing the implant, etc. I have not noticed any swelling yet.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry this surprise bear hug has concerned you, and your concerns are appropriate--tearing an incompletely-healed capsule, displacement of your implant, etc. Bleeding would be at the top of the "etc." part of your list, but that is easily diagnosed by visible swelling that essentially doubles the size of your breast, making the skin shiny and tight, and causing pretty significant discomfort, pain, and even numbness in the upper arm on that side. It appears that this is not a concern by your description of "no swelling yet."Simply examining your breasts for visibly asymmetry after the unwanted bear hug is another valuable test, and in the absence of swelling or asymmetry, you probably have little to worry about. Still, localized tenderness may indicate localized injury, and follow-up with your plastic surgeon is essential to allay your fears and to keep your surgeon apprised of your recent injury. Schedule an appointment soon; don't wait for your next regularly-scheduled follow-up visit.You also may wish to discuss this unwanted bear hug with a work supervisor or HR representative. I'm not an advocate of "stirring things up" in the workplace, but this unwanted, surprise bear hug sounds suspiciously close to a physical assault--your chest/breasts were squeezed without your consent or awareness. Only you know exactly what and how this occurred (even if it was an overly enthusiastic "welcome back to work"), but it seems to me that this kind of surprise greeting should not happen to anyone, recent surgery or not. Just saying.Sounds like you're fine, and that this will heal. But also see your surgeon, to whom you will go if there is any issue down the road. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Is it certainly possible however, it is impossible to say without an in person examination. Please address your concerns with your plastic surgeon. You are still very early in the healing process so discomfort is not uncommon especially after a "bear hug".

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although it is not possible to give you precise advice without direct examination,  generally speaking it would take very significant trauma to cause damage to the breast implants.  Even a very strong hug should not generate sufficient force. Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon if you notice any change in physical examination. Best wishes.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I do think it is important that you follow-up with your plastic surgeon for an examination to be certain that there has been no change.Early after breast augmentation a significant compressive for such as a bear hug can cause a tear in the breast implant capsule.  However if this had happened to you I would've expected that your breast would have swollen become very painful and possibly bruised.My suspicion is that you are fine but she should follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

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Answer: Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

Answer: Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

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Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

Answer: Could damage have been done after receiving a very painful bear hug at 1.5 weeks post-op breast augmentation?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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