How can the pain and recovery time after getting breast implants be minimized?

Every surgeon adheres to the methods which have worked well for them and their patients.  I use local anesthetic to preempt pain, before the patient is prepped for surgery.  Intraop, I instill additional local under the muscle, before positioning the implants.  Postop, our regimen includes icing... more

There are many methods available and each surgeon will have their own routine and preferences. Generally, however, the immediate recovery period is only about 2-3 days for most patients before you return to your daily activities and have minimal need for pain medication. There are pain pumps available that use... more

There are several excellent points made here regarding pain and recovery after breast augmentation. Factors which can influence postoperative pain and recovery include: Under the muscle is more painful than over Larger implants tend to cause more breast expansion and pain Meticulous and precise... more

Thanks for the great question. Recovery and downtime is something we address before surgery at our San Francisco area practice, including customizing a treatment plan to speed each patient's recovery. Recovery is different for all patients.  In addition, breast augmentation is not a homogenous operation... more

I routinely use pain pumps for both breast augmentation procedures and tummy tuck procedures in my Raleigh, North Carolina Plastic Surgery Practice.   During the surgery a tiny tube is set to supply the local anesthetic continually into the surgical area for three to five days of time. Marcaine, a long... more

I have also heard women complain of severe pain after breast augmentation, and I find it puzzling.  My patients don't complain of significant pain.  There will be some more discomfort if the implants are put under the muscle. Some of the tricks to  minimize pain: 1) MOST IMPORTANT,... more

Postoperative pain from breast augmentation is dependent on many factors, some of which have been touched on by other respondents.  One significant factor is the position that the implant is placed in, above the muscle or below the muscle.  Below the muscle is a much more painful procedure.  So,... more

The reality is, breast augmentation, when done with subpectoral (under the muscle) implants can be a very painful procedure. I've been using pain pumps consistently for the last several years in my breast augmentation patients and the pain relief can be dramatic. Yes, you'll still need some narcotic pain... more

Lil, This is a great question. I have found that the recovery from breast implant surgery depends mostly on patient motivation and patient response to previous surgery. For highly motivated patients, who are informed and who play an active role in there pre- and post-op tend to do better. Additionally,... more

I have used pain pumps for the past 5 years and feel the difference it makes is well worth the $250. It is a device that delivers numbing medication to the area without making you sick to your stomach. It runs automatically, for 2 to 3 days, when you need it most. Many patients take over the counter pain... more