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

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

There are several aspects of the procedure that affect the postop pain. As has been mentioned, large implants where the tissue has to stretch will usually be more of an ordeal. However, surgical technique matters; if it is done gently and precisely, there is less injury to the tissues which may mean less... 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

This is a great question. I think that most of us would agree that much of the discomfort after a breast augmentation is due to the stretching of the pectoralis major muscle (the muscle that the implant is often placed under) by the implant. So if the surgeon chooses to place the implant under the muscle and... more

The perception of pain can be much different between any number of individuals experiencing the Breast Augmentation, even when the same surgeon employs the same technique. Without question, there is some pain associated with Breast Augmentation, more so when the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. ... 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

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

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

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

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