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.