Can I pull or strain a muscle in my breast by lifting my 4 year old 25 days after my breast augmentation surgery?

Question

It's 25 day post-op breast augmentation under muscle & my rt breast has had pain, on and off for over the last week or so. The pain has recently moved to my back under my right shoulder blade. Today, in a quick reflex I picked up my 4 year old and sat her on my right hip, I quickly put her down when I felt the pain. Now I have more pain in my r breast and back then ever before,(even with taking Advil). Did I pull or strain my muscle in my breast or should I worry about capsular contracture?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own 
surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give 
to my patients as to the recoveryWeek 1)  Discomfort and tightness 
level progressively decreases with each day.  Swelling decreases a great
 deal after one week.  Most people return to work in some capacity.Week
 2)  Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night.  
Swelling and tightness continues to improve compared to week 1Weeks 
3-6)  May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort. 
Swelling completely resolved.  Tightness may continue as the implants 
over an additional few months into their final position.   As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks (a gallon of milk as a guide).2)  Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)3)  At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph4)  At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph5)  At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph6)  At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph7)
  At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and
 use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it. So
 as far as the little ones, I would recommend having help for basic 
needs like lifting into the car seat.  You can cuddle with them while 
you are sitting down, but you should avoid the tendency to multitask 
with one child in your arms while you are busy doing other tasks.If your pain from your recent activity doesn't subside or gets worse, then I would visit your plastic surgeon.  Otherwise, continue to be cautious and not overdo it.  I wouldn't worry about capsular contracture from this.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You certainly can aggravate your pectoralis muscle by lifting your child. The muscle is already irritated due to the breast augmentation. You should rest and medicate the muscle if possible. A reevaluation by your plastic surgeon  is appropriate.

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible that you strained a muscle while picking up your child.  This should not lead to capsular contracture unless it caused some bleeding, which would not be expected 25 days following surgery.   You should talk to your surgeon about your concerns.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

What you are describing is a spasm of the pectoralis muscle.  This is not unusual and will get better over time.  Certain activities may make the muscle go in to spasm.  This will not cause a capsular contracture.

Ernest Layton, MD · Answer

Good morning, Yes it is possible that you could have strained your muscle with that quick action.  It is always best to inform your PS about any possible complications you may be experiencing.

Can I pull or strain a muscle in my breast by lifting my 4 year old 25 days after my breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Spasm of pectoralis muscle after a breast augmentation not a cc

Answer: Spasm of pectoralis muscle after a breast augmentation not a cc

Answer: Pulled muscle after breast surgery

Answer: Pulled muscle after breast surgery

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Can I pull or strain a muscle in my breast by lifting my 4 year old 25 days after my breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Spasm of pectoralis muscle after a breast augmentation not a cc

Answer: Spasm of pectoralis muscle after a breast augmentation not a cc

Answer: Pulled muscle after breast surgery

Answer: Pulled muscle after breast surgery

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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.