Random shooting pain after breast augmentation on right breast 3 weeks post up (smooth, classic, 400cc). Advice?

It has been my experience with over 6500 breast augmentation patients that they normally have exactly what you describe- one side is always more tender than the other off and on for 9 months, less and less each month. During these nine months they usually have several months with no discomfort on either side, then all of a sudden they get a zing on the involved side- and this is normal. I advise my patients if the discomfort ever lasts more than a minute, they should use an anti-inflammatory if they can tolerate it.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Hi dalou3a,

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain following your surgery. It is not uncommon to experience pain a few weeks after breast augmentation surgery. However, it would be best that you visit your plastic surgeon for proper assessment and intervention to lessen your discomfort, as every surgeon has different approaches in pain management.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Three weeks after surgery there remains significant swelliing, and it is not uncommon to have some remaining discomfort. The short, intermittent shooting pain you describe is characteristic of nerve related (neurogenic) pain. This type of pain is not infrequent after surgery and generally resolves over time. It does not respond well to the usual medications used for pain relief, such as opiates. Nerve blocks with local anesthetics can help, and sometimes oral medication such as gabapentin can be useful.

Hi, sorry you are experiencing this during your recovery.  This type of pain is commonly an irritated or stretched nerve.  Luckily this improves with time as your body gets adjusted to the implants.  There are several ways to treat this.  Any board certified plastic that performs numerous breast augmentations will have encountered this type of recovery issue.  I would follow up with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck with your recovery.

Dr. E Wright

dalou3a.   I appreciate your concern, however intermittent pain after this operation three weeks postop is not uncommon and usually respond quite well to anti-inflammatories like Motrin. Follow up with your plastic surgeon and review your options. Try to stay patient as this will resolve on its own. Good luck. 

Hello and thank you for the question. It's unclear why some patients have these non-specific pains after breast augmentation. These pains are more common in patients who have had their implants placed under the muscle, which involves releasing the muscle attachments to the ribs (close to sternum). These pain episodes should resolve spontaneously over the course of few weeks or so, as your tissues heal. Occasionally, I have injected steroids to specific tender spots if any exists for what is known as neuropathic pain (related to irritation of nerves), which your doctor might recommend. My advice is that  you trust you surgeon and let him/her manage the pain. Please follow up with your surgeon. Best!
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery issues.  After an augmentation the nerves of the skin are stretched as a result of swelling and the increased volume of the implants.  This stretching irritates the nerves which can cause a number of different nipple and breast skin sensations including increased/decreased sensitivity or a burning/electrical feeling.  These normally resolve spontaneously given enough time.  I would favor your second PS's opinion.  Hang in there and be sure to mention these issues to your surgeon during your post-operative appointments. 

Thank you for your question. Please see your plastic surgeon and ask about possible nerve pain and treatment. 

Dear Dalou3a,

Shooting pains like this are quite normal so early after surgery.  As a matter of fact, most women tell me it takes four to six months for all the zingers and odd feelings to subside and for a woman to feel like the implants are really part of her body.  If they are really bothersome, firm breast support while waiting it out as well as anti-inflammatories would be most helpful.  I hope this has been helpful.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

What you are experiencing is usually self limiting and improves with time. This improves in a few months but may take as much as 6 months to resolve. Follow your surgeon's recommendations. Anti- inflammatory medications will help.
Best wishes,
Dr. Ravi Somayazula
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon,
Realself Top 100 Surgeon
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 
Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Member of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons and Harris County Medical Society