Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Injection into Breast Pocket for Pain

I've read that many surgeons inject a long-lasting anesthetic into the breast pocket during augmentation to reduce pain. I am VERY anxious about having pain & when I asked my surgeon about the possibility of having the breast pockets treated w/ an anesthetic, he said he never does injections & acted annoyed that I would even ask. My surgery is 2 weeks away & I am so anxious & upset by his response & the possibility of pain that I am in tears! Is there anything I can do?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lard in Houston, TX

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Pain after Breast Augmentation-To Numb the Pocket or Not to Numb?

Numbing of the breast pocket is not necessary and its effecitveness is controversial. If your surgeon is gentle with your breast tissue, then you should not need anything like that. What is important is that your surgeon limits bleeding, bruising, and trauma to your chest wall and breast tissue. There are quick recovery techniques that do this and it is all up to the surgeon you choose. You should not need any strong narcotic pain pills, just Motrin or ibuprofen. There should be no... more

Pain Pump Makes a Big Difference

Fortunately, the use of a pain pump can make a big diffeence in your post-op comfort. Ask your surgeon if he can provide this for you. It sounds like your not comfortable with communication with your current surgeon: better to find out pre-op and find someone who will better address your needs.

Longer acting local can reduce breast augmentation pain

There are longer acting local medications which we use in the breast pocket after breast augmentation to smooth the transition to oral pain medication. The medication we use is called marcaine and your surgeon is certainly familiar with it. It should give good pain relief for up to six hours after your procedure. The red flag is that your surgeon seems annoyed with your questions, and perhaps this is sign that your should look for other opinions. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd... more

Pain reduction

I almost always instil a long acting local anesthetic in the pocket to minimize the discomfort for about the first 12 hours. It really works and I always want to make my patients as comfortable as possible. Watch my videos!

Pain After Breast Augmentation Varies With Each Patient

With a breast augmentation, the level of pain and discomfort is different for everyone. Some people come in the next day and have almost no pain. Others come in and look miserable. I generally inject a long acting anesthetic right beforethe implant goes in to the pocket, but in reality, it only lasts about 4-5 hours, then the pain kicks in. Even the pain pumps afterwards do not take the pain away to any significant level. I would not get too nervous about it... more

Reducing post op pain after augmentation/annoyed MD

Hi Lard in Houston, My first impression is that if a surgeon acts annoyed when you asked a question, you should find another surgeon. There are plenty of compassionate, patient plastic surgeons in Houston. If you need a recommendation, feel free to call my office. As for pain after breast augmentation, if you are having the implant under the muscle it will be a little more uncomfortable than if it is on top of the muscle. For all my patients I use... more

Post-operative pain relief following breast augmentation

I typically perform injections of bupivicaine into the implant pocket at the conclusion of the operation. While this may diminish the early post-operative pain, it is relatively short lived. Pain pumps are available for longer term relief but I have not been impressed with the degree of pain relief.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation pain

I will on occassion inject the operative site with marcaine ( a long acting local anesthetic). I, too, believe you should be weary if you are having a difficulty communicating with your surgeon PRIOR to surgery. You need to be able to get along, and have faith in your doctor in the unlikely event that things do not go well.

Anesthetic for breast augmentation

You should discuss this further with your surgeon. Some surgeons use pain pumps( I do not), but I usually inject the pockets with a long acting anesthetic to ease the post-op discomfort.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Injections and other options for pain control after augmentation

I and many other surgeons routinely inject a long-acting numbing anesthetic to help with discomfort after breast augmentation. However, at most it only lasts 6-8 hours. Another option is an On-Q "pain pump" which slowly infuses numbing medication into the pocket through a tiny catheter. This lasts for about 3 days, at which time you should be doing well-enough to get by. Some surgeons make an issue of having patients return to routine activities early because they use... more

I would agree with the other surgeons

If your surgeon is that hard to get along with before the surgery, think what it might be like if you have a problem after the surgery. You want to be as comfortable as possible with your choice of surgeon, given that everyone is a little nervous before any surgery. Good Luck, Dr T

Injection into Breast Pocket for Pain

From your explicit posting I might consider another surgeon. I have frequently used a long acting local anesthetic in the breast pocket. I also have used indwelling catheter for pain medication infusion. So if your chosen surgeon is acting in this manner best to chose again. And this time chose "wisely". From MIAMI the "real" Dr. Darryl J. Blinski 305 598 0091

Sounds like you have issues with your surgeon! That's breaking one of the cardinal rules!

I agree with the comments by Drs. Mele and Yuan. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your surgeon now, BEFORE the surgery, how are you going to relate to him/her after the operation? Remember, you are creating a relationship for life here, and I would take this very seriously. This will NOT be a one time deal. You will need to go back to see your surgeon in the future. What does this mean for that relationship? What if you have a... more

Pain management after Breast Augmentation

Hi there- I would have to agree with Dr. Yuan... As I often say to patients who email me questions- the doctor patient relationship is like any other important relationship in your life... It will require you to be respectful and open in your communication, and to keep all appointments and follow instructions carefully. On the other hand, your surgeon has responsibilities too- and should be willing to consider minor modifications of his preferred technique to make you comfortable as... more

Unresponsive surgeon

If you are anxious about the surgery, consult with him/her agian. If you are not put at easy or satisfied, go to someone else. Whether or not he is right or wrong, he has a certain method of practice and it doesn't fit what you are looking for. Get another opinion. You have to be comfortable with all aspects of an elective surgery., If you are not, don't do it until you are.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Pain Control

The pain after breast augmentation is variable. Some patients have none, some have lots, but most are somewhere in the middle, and tolerate the procedure well. The use of a local anesthetic during surgery can help with the initial pain after breast augmentation. This action can be prolonged with the use of a pump that administers local anesthesia for several days after surgery. Careful surgical technique, oral narcotics, anti-inflammatories and some herbs can also be helpful, as... more