Should I be concerned about soreness, tenderness and swelling after exercise? Implants under muscle

Question

I had a double mastectomy 7 years ago and have reconstruction with implants under my muscle now. I’ve recently been doing yoga with push-ups and one armed side planks. I was a little sore but I don’t have a lot if feeling in my breast area from my mastectomy. I am tender and swollen to the left of my left breast. I’ve stopped yoga this week and still have swelling. Should I be concerned?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Tough395080, thank you for your question. It is crucial to consult a mastologist so that he or she can perform the Analysis and diagnose the cause of the discomfort. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Vinay Gundlapalli, MD · Answer

Its always good to exercise, but if you are noticing some new changes on the reconstructed breast especially after exercising ( using the Pec muscle) its best to get evaluated by your plastic surgeon as this may be due to a any of the few reasons like muscle spasm, new onset seroma , capsular contracture, ruptured implant to name a few. The treatment could be different based on the findings.

David Branch, MD · Answer

Hi. I'm sorry you're having new discomfort with your reconstruction. I suspect you have torn a muscle or scar band with your new activities. If this swelling and discomfort persists and is not improving over the next 2-4 weeks, I would consider getting an MRI to evaluate for possible implant rupture, assuming that you have silicone gel implants and not saline.

Lisa F. Schneider, MD · Answer

Good morning,

Given that you have persistent swelling after your reconstruction, I would recommend you be evaluated in person by a plastic surgeon. I do have patients who are unhappy to have a reconstruction with implants under the muscle who are able to change that to a different kind of reconstruction. Some options include moving the implants above the muscle or switching to a different kind of reconstruction like a DIEP flap which uses your abdominal tissue to make a new breast.

I hope this helps!
Take care,
Dr. Schneider

Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello!  If this is a new exercise regimen for you it is certainly possible that you may have overdone it and caused swelling from overuse of your pectoralis major muscle.  Swelling that doesn't resolve over a week or two may be a symptom of a bigger problem and warrants a visit with your plastic surgeon.  If you also have redness, increase in firmness, or overall feeling unwell, you should follow-up immediately. Hopefully you were just a little overzealous with your yoga and it should resolve soon.  Your plastic surgeon will always be happy to address your concerns, so it's always safest to give her a call.

Should I be concerned about soreness, tenderness and swelling after exercise? Implants under muscle

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