Is this much pain post-breast lift and augmentation 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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8 answers to “Is this much pain post-breast lift...”

A: See your surgeon regarding pain after breast augmentation and lift

John P. Di Saia, MD

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.

A: Breast pain after implants and a lift.

Steven Wallach, MD

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.

A: Breast Pain after Implants

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

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... more

A: "normal pain"

Steven H. Williams, MD

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... more

A: Need for narcotics unusual after 2 weeks

Sutton Graham II, MD

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... more

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

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

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.

A: Normal Variants

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

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... more

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

Armando Soto, MD

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... more

Comments

Holly MH
1 post
7 Jan 2009

I've had a breast augmentation almost 3 years ago. Since then I had Capsular Contracture and had 2 surgeries after that. One to fix it which didn't work and the second to replace the implant. I now have burning pain and my chest feels like an elephant is constantly stepping on me. I can't sleep or move too much because of the burning feeling and sensitivity to everything! Can anyone help?

Nancy Anne
7 posts
25 Apr 2009

Good heavens! Talk to the surgeon who replaced your implant- often they wil treat you for things like this without charge.

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