How Long Does the "Sunburn" Sensation Stay After a Breast Implant?

Thank you for the question.

Unfortunately, it is hard to give you good advice without direct examination.

The "sunburn” sensation you are describing is likely related to irritation/inflammation of sensory nerves serving the breast skin.  This hypersensitivity of the breasts can and/or nipple/areola complexes occurs  frequently after breast surgery ( to some degree).  

How long the hypersensitivity persists will vary from patient to patient but generally tends to dissipate over the course of several weeks to months. I have not had a patient experience longer-term hypersensitivity.  

It may be helpful to avoid tight fitting undergarments or clothing. Gentle massage of the skin may help to gradually “desensitize"  the involved areas. Anti-inflammatories under the direction of your surgeon may also be helpful.

Best wishes.

 

Thanks for your question.

There are many nerves that can be effected by breast implant surgery.

The sensation can go back to normal. The best recommendation would be to do small frequent touches and massaging of the implants. These maneuvers would cause desensitization and retraining of the nerve endings.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sajjadian

Please be reassured that there are sensory nerves that are unavoidably cut, irritated, and stretched by the surgical process of creating a pocket for the implants, as well as the resultant tissue de-stretch, swelling decrease, and gradual return to normal as healing occurs. Burning, itching, tingling, and sharp "static electric"-like sensations are all described by patients. Every patient will have different sensations (or lack thereof), and will describe them differently!

Desensitizing massage is a good idea, but don't worry, this sensation is not permanent! It may actually get worse before it gets better (sorry), but it WILL gradually go away over several months and return to normal (a "new normal" you can happily live with). As healing progresses, these sensations will diminish and gradually subside.

You need not fear about this! Honest!