Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Question

I had a breast augmentation on June 23rd, monday. I am in pain and Ive been up all night. I am staying on top of my pain meds. I have my alarm set for each dose even during the night. I'm also taking Tylenol in between the hydrocodone. I'm in too much pain to sleep, I have the bed proped up like a hospital bed. And I'm wearing my surgical bra and the band. I am still im pain on the sides, under and the areola. The incision sites are fine. Ialso have ice packs. Is there anything else I can do?!?

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Postoperative discomfort after a breast augmentation can vary widely from person to person.  There is genetic variation in how sensitive each of us is to pain, and the degree of trauma associated with the procedure differs, as well. (even with the same surgeon, as everyone is built differently)  Having said that, redheads do indeed need more anesthetic due to genetic mutations present in many of them -- see the article below.My advice would be to stay on top of your medication. Hydrocodone should be effective.  DON'T take additional Tylenol if your hydrocodone prescription is for a combination drug like Vicodin, as you can overdose on the acetaminophen.  If you have been given a prescription for a muscle relaxant like valium, take that as directed.  If you haven't gotten a muscle relaxant, you might ask your surgeon.  The pain usually subsides significantly within 48 hours.

Steven Vath, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. At only 3 days post op, the pain you are describing is normal and has nothing to do with your hair color. I would advise putting a call in to your Plastic Surgeon to discuss the addition of a muscle relaxer such as Valium to help with muscle pain and spasms. He or she might also recommend a stronger pain medication for the next couple of days and then switching back to the hydrocodone.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Reaction to pain and an operation is as individual to you as your fingerprint.  It has nothing to do with your hair color.  Everyone is different IF you are having pain issues it may be necessary to switch you to another medication.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Post operatve pain has NOTHING to do with your genetics or hair color... Some people as in need of stronger pain medication that others. Ask your surgeon for a stronger narcotic Rx...

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I am not aware of redheads having more pain. They are a slight higher risk of bleeding but if you are in that much pain you should reach out to your surgeon. You can have significant muscle spasms early and Valium can help a lot.

Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answer: Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answer: Redheads and Pain Tolerance

Answer: Redheads and Pain Tolerance

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Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answer: Is it normal for redheads to be more sensitive to pain? I am a redhead and my pain meds aren't working. (photo)

Answer: Redheads and Pain Tolerance

Answer: Redheads and Pain Tolerance

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.