Why Do my Breast Feel VERY Sunburned After Breast Augmentation?

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.

Perhaps your friends (who presumably had the same operation) simply felt "numb" after their operation. Your responses are as individual as you are!

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, but one you will happily be able to live with).

One other comment: I know it is normal to share concerns and worries with your closest friends, especially if they too have undergone this operation. Remember, however, to only accept advice from the trained plastic surgeon who you trusted to perform your surgery. Your friends have only one experience (their own); as plastic surgeons, we have the training and experience with many patients that should make our advice the best that is available. We may not always be right, and or course we haven't received our perfection badges yet (my mother says mine is coming, and she tells me she never lies), but we really do have your best interests at heart, and have the training and experience to help you with the best information possible. Friends are for moral support; go easy on accepting "advice." You too will be that friend to someone else someday, so be supportive, and direct YOUR friends gently back to their surgeon. If their advice seems "off" or in error, a second opinion is always a smart recommendation.

You need not fear about this! Honest!

there are many unusual sensations in the first few weeks and months after augmentation;


there can be burning

itching

numbness

tightness

insects crawling


these usually go away with time.  make sure there are no allergies,  meds , tapes , clothing , bra

advil , benedryl , clariton can help

It is completely normal for women to have breast hypersensitivity after a breast augmentation.  For some, this is just in the nipple area, while for others it is the entire breast.  The nerves that supply sensation to the breasts get stretched out during surgery, and they do not like to be stretched at all.  This can lead them to act in strange ways until they get used to the new dynamics.  Just be patient and these things should resolve on their own.  It may take a few months to get to that point, but they will.  Some massage to help de-sensitize the nerves can be helpful, although will be irritating and painful at first.  Again, this is a normal occurrence for some patients and usually resolves on its own in a few months.  I hope this helps.

The feeling of sunburn is not unusual at all. It happens because the nerves are stretched and the feeling has not yet returned to normal. When it happens it usually goes away gradually by 2-3 months after surgery. In your case, your implants are a bit on the larger side and probably contributed. I recommend starting gentle touch massage to desensitize the skin. Arnica cream or gel also helps.

Sensitivity and discomfort after breast augmentation are common. It could be due to surgical trauma, nerve irritation, or stretching of tissues during the procedure. However, if you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain, it’s crucial to consult your surgeon to rule out any complications or infections.

The sensation of having a sunburn of your breasts is not a rare phenomenon following a breast augmentation. This is related to nerve fiber irritation and stretching which can manifest as hypersensitivity. Some women find that even the lightest touching of clothes on their skin, particularly their nipples, can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, this will resolve usually without being a chronic problem. It can take several weeks or more for symptoms to largely disappear. Sometimes, a limited course of anti-inflammatory medication can help.

You should inform your surgeon of your issue and obtain his/her recommendations.

It is common for the breasts to feel different, particularly sensitive, after augment surgery. Patients do liken this to the feeling of being sunburned. This should subside over several months. Be patient and remember to communicate with your plastic surgeon during the healing process.

Not only is it common, but I can't remember a patient who doesn't have some areas that feel "strange".  When you lift up the tissue to put in the implant you have some temporary damage or injury to the nerve.  You are early in the healing process so give it a few months.  Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

It is common to have odd or strange feelings in your breasts after surgery. The breasts can be overly sensitive or numb depending upon how your nerves respond. The swelling of the nerves results in the nerve being altered in its ability to send a message along its path.  Thus, the feelings result from the nerve not sending normal impulses to your brain. Your surgeon is correct that this will improve with time, and sometimes massage can help if you are experiencing pain in one particular area.

Best of luck!

The sunburned sensation is not unusual and is due to stretch of the nerves that give sensation to the skin of the breasts. This is usually self limited as the inflammation subsides and the tissue loosens. It should slowly improve and be minimal in a month or so. It may last 6 months or so, though. Light massage may help.