Morning Boob 5 Weeks Post Op?

Question

I had breast implants almost 5 weeks ago, under the muscle silicone. My right one is doing great, no pain or anything but my left one as soon as I lay down on my back or side to sleep it starts to ache... I've read this is common but I was just wondering if there's anything I can do to prevent it? it becomes sore and achy in the middle if the night waking me up.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant massage is a critical part of the postoperative recovery from breast augmentation (like physical therapy is a critical part of the postoperative recovery from knee surgery).  The space for the implant is meticulously crafted at the time of augmentation surgery, especially when the operation is performed using the surgical endoscope through the transaxillary approach.  However, the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold needs to stretch out to accommodate the implant (dropping) and the skin and muscle need to relax to give the desired shape (fluffing).  Implant massage allows you to manipulate the pocket from the inside to direct the forces in the appropriate directions to mold the breast shape to the desired outcome.  If the scar that is actively forming around the implant is allowed to heal without the influence of breast massage, the fold will not stretch appropriately (implant stays too high), the scar will attempt to contract in a linear way over the curved surface of the implant (breast shape will remain too flat), and the space will attempt to heal smaller and tighter than the implant (capsular contracture).  Implant massage influences the scar formation on the inside at the most critical phase of the healing, allowing the space to be larger than the implant (mobility which creates the natural feel and bounce).  
  
Implant massage starts at one week at 5 times per day for one minute at a time and continues at this pace until one month.  I often see the patients weekly during this time to reinforce the technique and help the patients who need extra effort to soften the breasts. During this time period, the massage also breaks up the spasm, relieving the discomfort, particularly upon awakening from sleep (morning breast).  During the day, every time there is the sensation of tightness, implant massage breaks up the spasm and relieves the discomfort, minimizing the need for narcotics.  At one month, the force that can be exerted is increased but the frequency of massage decreases to 3 times per day.  As the wound matures, the massage can decrease to once per day forever as maintenance.  The patients integrate this into their shower routine.  
  
Although some patients can get away with no massage, it is a common issue for those who stop the massage and make none of their follow up appointment to suddenly show up years after surgery claiming that they woke up one morning with a capsular contracture and implant malposition.  Of course this did not happen overnight, but was a slow process that could have been prevented with daily maintenance massage and regular routine follow appointments on a yearly basis (which we provide for free, forever). With this type of perpetual follow up, it is possible to identify a problem early that might need a modification in the massage technique.  
  
Implant massage involves moving the device up against the wall of the pocket, holding pressure against the surface of the scar. The specifics are determined on an individual basis guided by what the patient needs. In some patients it is simple and of little significance.  In some patients it is a struggle to get the implants into the right position and to gain softness and mobility, but with the right technique and the appropriate dedication it is a huge success.  For the patients that do not participate in the massage in a meaningful way, some will get away with their lack of dedication because they were going to have soft breasts no matter what.  On the other hand, some patients will squander their opportunity to have an excellent result because they don't believe that the massage is necessary, or because they have been told by their friends or other doctors that they didn't need to perform massage.  Regardless, they often require surgery that could have been avoided by following the postoperative instructions of a surgeon that has performed nearly 10,000 breast implant operations and has seen the healing of each of those patients and integrated the successes and failures of each one into a postoperative plan that really works.
  
I find no use for bands, straps, bras or appliances after breast augmentation surgery.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question!It can be normal for breasts to recover a little differently.  It may be best to speak to your PS and see what treatment options you may take, if needed. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
Regards,

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You're right, this is common and should not be of concern. Please ask your surgeon to find out what kind of medication you may take to alleviate this discomfort. Hopefully, you are still wearing your supportive bra day and night as well.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

This is common among Breast Augmentation patients. It should go away on it's own but if it's waking you up at night, contact your surgeon to see what over-the-counter pain medications can help with your discomfort. It sounds like you are being patient, but try to give it a little more time to heal.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Your symptoms should resolve with more time.  This is completely normal for this time period after surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You are astute in realizing that one breast is usually different than the other and all should resolve soon. I would ask your plastic surgeon for recommendations on over the counter pain medications at this point. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Dear Rroo22,

	Thanks for your question.  It is common for one breast to have more pain than the other after surgery.  There really is nothing you can do to prevent it.  Pain is normal after surgery and the pain should subside with time.  Please be patient and things should get better.  You may want to consider taking some over the counter pain medication prior to sleeping to help with your discomfort.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for the breasts to ache a bit after implant surgery. You probably need to give it more time to heal.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

At five weeks this is not an uncommon issue. Since it is awakening you, consider taking a long acting pain med such as alleve (naproxen) before going to bed. This will pass.

	All the best.

Morning Boob 5 Weeks Post Op?

Answers (9)