Will my Doctor give me more pain meds 2 weeks after surgery?

Question

I had a BA 2 weeks ago. After one week Dr gave me Tylenol 3 for pain. I broke out in a bad rash so I can't take it. I have 2 toddlers and have to be very active, and I end each day in a lot of pain, so i cant sleep! I take muscle relaxers, I've tried taking the max dose of Ibuprofen, and Tylenol, but i still have considerable pain. Husband is a Paramedic and said to ask for a script of 5mg Norco, so my Dr won't think I'm a junky! I'm embarrassed to ask, but I hurt and I've tried everything.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Don’t worry, pain is normal even 7 weeks after a revision. Regeneration of the sensory nerves is accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains which disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about. If, however, swelling, redness, infection, or drainage accompanies this, then you will need to see the doctor at the office. Nipple numbness may or may not persist, but usually comes back within a year.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Your request for more pain medication sounds reasonable. You should never be embarrassed or afraid to discuss postoperative pain with your surgeon.  It is unusual to require more pain medication two weeks after breast augmentation, however everybody handles pain differently. It is also possible that you might be overdoing it from a physical standpoint. Keep in mind that you're still very early in the healing process and you need to allow your body time to heal.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You should not feel uncomfortable to discuss pain management with your plastic surgeon. I recommend you make an appointment to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Two weeks is getting to be sort of a long time after breast augmentation to still be requiring pain medications but everybody has a different response to pain.  I would probably give you a small prescription to get you through the nights for another week or so, although I generally do take it as a red flag if the patient requests a specific narcotic so I would suggest you leave that part out.Good luck with your recovery!G. Robert Meger MD

Wesley T. Myers, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your concerns are valid. Do not ever be embarrassed about discussing your surgery and convalescence with your plastic surgeon. Pain control issues are best managed and diagnosed in person with a thorough physical exam. I recommend that you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss your convalescence as well as your concerns.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Your request sounds reasonable to me, but I am not your surgeon. But leave the choice of pain med to the doctor unless you are asked. All the best.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

In the vast majority of cases, patients do not need pain meds 2 weeks post op.  If you are having pain, something maybe wrong.  See you surgeon for an exam to determine the cause of your pain.  Best wishes!

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Will my Doctor give me more pain meds 2 weeks after surgery?

Answers (7)

BREAST AUGMENTATION PROVIDERS NEAR YOU