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Pain After Breast Lift and Augmentation - Is This Normal?

I had a breast lift and augmentation 2 weeks ago under the muscles. On one side, I am having a searing, burning pain in 2 different places. I know it's from the muscles stretching, but I'm worried about how long the pain and swelling will continue for. I am having to take Ibuprofen and Vicodan throughout the day still. What can I do to lessen the pain and swelling?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by xxxxxxxx

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Breast Pain after Implants

This is highly variable and can depend on whether implants are placed under or over the muscle as well as the size of the implant relative to the breast. Oftentimes the problem arised from the operation being performed on two sides leaving the patient to compare one side to the other. Sometimes pain can be confusing as well. Let me explain. Sometimes the side on which nerves are injured can be numb and this is interpreted as normal. Whereas the otherside with normal nerves that are intact... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Pain and Recovery After Breast Aumentation

It is unusual to still be taking narcotic pain medication throughout the day two weeks after breast augmentation. The acute muscle pain that is expected after subpectoral breast augmentation should begin to be relieved after only a few days. I expect my patients to be taking no more than a few pain pills a day, if that, by one week after surgery. The searing, burning pain that you describe sounds more like neuropathic pain than muscle pain, especially since it is present on only one side.... more

"normal pain"

Post-op issues like this should always be addressed with your treating surgeon. I agree with the other surgeons. In addition, in my San Francisco practice, we typically do not recommend ibuprofen for post-op pain in the immediate post-op period as it can contribute to post-operative bleeding which can be a factor in post-op complications. Bottom line - call your doctor. Today! Good luck. Steven Williams, MD

Need for narcotics unusual after 2 weeks

If you ask, "is my pain typical?" The answer is no, you sound like you have more pain than usual. If you ask, "what can I do to lessen the pain and swelling?," there may be several things. First, your surgeon should confirm that these symptoms are not a sign of bleeding, infection, or other complication. Second, I agree with another surgeon's recommendation for muscle relaxants. Then, I talk with my patients to find other measures that may help. Some examples... more

I would advise you to follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause of your pain

Pain following breast surgery is expected ranging from mild to severe. I would advise you to follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause of your pain. There are many possible reasons and a thorough physical examination is required. Thanks for your question.

Normal Variants

After Breast Augmentation with Mastopexy, particularly when the implants are placed behind the muscle, it is not unusual to have moderate pain which may be worse on one side than the other, even though the same operation was done to both breasts. What you perceive as severe pain might be perceived as less-painful (or excruciatingly painful) by a different patient, so there is no "normal" amount of pain. I prescribe very strong pain medications as well as muscle relaxants or... more

Pain post breast lift with augmentation.

Hello. First, you should contact your surgeon to confirm that these symptoms are not a sign of bleeding, infection, or other complication. It is not uncommon to have some pain weeks after surgery. Best of luck in your recovery.

Try muscle relaxants

It is expected to have some pain after breast augmentation with the muscle release and the expansion. This is usually well tolerated with the use of local injection during the procedure and with post operative pain meds. Your pain is a little atypical but hard to explain without an exam. Ask your surgeon about using a muscle relaxant like soma, many patients were more comfortable using it.

Pain expected after breast lift with submuscular implant, but check with your surgeon.

Your complaint is not uncommon after the operation you have had. Asymmetrical pain and healing is fairly common. Nevertheless, you should keep in touch with your surgeon to make sure there is no underlyiing problem (blood collection or infection) that is prolonging the suffering on your affected side.

Final results after a breast augmentation and lift

Since you are 2 weeks post-op surgery, you are still very fresh out and it is normal for you to experience sharp pains. you may have discomfort from welling and bruising for up to 3 months while healing. Final results are seen at about 4-6 months post-op surgery. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication is perfectly fine and take it easy, keeping your elbows to your sides. Avoid any heavy-lifting and strenuous activity to prevent any additional swelling.

See your surgeon regarding pain after breast augmentation and lift

Hello, Post-op pain varies, but "searing pain" is not common. I see that you are taking ibuprofen and surgery was recent. Rarely this can encourage more bruising and bleeding, which can make pain worse. Make sure your surgeon examines you and helps you sort this out soon. Best Regards.

Breast pain after implants and a lift.

Pain after breast implant surgery is common. This is often due to the stretching of the muscle and the overlying skin. However, by 2 weeks it really should be a lot better. You may want to check in to see your doctor to be re-evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Pain is variable- may be acceptable but check in with your surgeon

Hi- I'm sorry to hear you're having so much discomfort. From your description of your procedure and pain, it's not possible to say with certainty whether this is something you can comfortably watch until it gets better, or if it indicates a problem. Certainly there is variability in pain experienced by different patients having otherwise uneventful recoveries, but significant pain 2 weeks after surgery may also mean you have a problem. I think it's probably normal postop type pain, but your... more

Pain

It is normal to have some degree of discomfort after breast augmentation and liftin. Most of this discomfort is from the augmentation especially if this was a submuscular placement of the implants. Please see your physician to make sure there is nothing else going on and this will improve quickly with time.