Extremely Sore/sensative Skin on Both Breasts Following Breast Aug

Question

I am 2 weeks post op for a breast aug. I went with 275cc round silicone gel w dual plane. The skin on my breasts is so sore it feels like its been burned. Bras, clothing, seat belt strap, my hair touching it is extremely painful. What is going on and when will this go away? Anything I can do to relieve the pain? Advil, Darvocet, ice, nothing works. Please Help!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is often accompanied by pain, swelling
and nipple hypersensitivity.These are
essentially normal findings which usually resolve on their own.The burning sensation that you describe is
known as a dysesthesia.It’s very
similar to what happens when you’re your leg falls asleep.The phenomena occurs when nerves are
compressed or stretched.During and
after breast augmentation surgery, this is exactly what happens to the nerves
that supply the nipple.The breast
implant underneath the nipple compresses and stretches the soft tissue and
nerves that supply the nipple and areola.In many cases, the process is made worse by swelling. Patients
typically describe a painful tingling, burning sensation that can be very
uncomfortable.In many cases, clothing
rubbing against the area can elicit a pins and needles sensation. These
symptoms usually resolve in 6 to 8 weeks without intervention, but may persist
up to 3-6 months.In some cases,
aggressive massage can desensitize the area and minimize the pain and
discomfort associated with this condition.

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

I generally don't recommend ice for breast patients as the implant is so far from the skin surface it does little good nor is it helpful after the point of maximum swelling, after the first 3 days.Discuss this with your surgeon and follow his directions!#iceaftersurgery#breastaugmentation#BA

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have hypersensitivity of the skin after breast augmentation, which is very common, but things like infection and skin sensitivity should be ruled out. Take your temperature and look for other signs of infection like incision problems. Also be careful with any topical scar products and lotions, as some can cause skin reactions. breast hypersensitivity is common after breast implant placement and usually will get better over the next couple of weeks. I hope this helps.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for the question.  You are still early in
the post operation recovery stage.  It is
not uncommon to feel pain, soreness, and swelling during this
period.  It usually takes about 8-12
weeks for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for the implants to fully
settle. Soreness should subside in time.  It would be best to visit your
board-certified plastic surgeon and get his or her advice on medications you could take.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

At two weeks post-op breast augmentation surgery, it is common for you to experience hypersensitivity of the breasts. Swelling, bruising, and burning sensations are a normal part of the healing process. Treatments include “desensitization” and anti-inflammatories to help minimize discomfort. Fevers, chills, abnormal swelling, and redness are signs to be concerned about and should be reported to your surgeon.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is a fairly uncommon though real occurrence following breast augmentation surgery. It is related to inflammation or irritation of sensory nerves to the skin as a result of the surgery. Fortunately, this is a temporary situation that most often resolves within several weeks to even a few months. Rarely does this extend out to 6 months or more.

	"Treatment" is supportive and can include anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen on a limited and short term basis (which you have tried though didn't state dosage or duration). Some patients will benefit from desensitization of the skin by massaging the affected areas with skin lotions.

	Be patient - this will resolve with time.

Ivan Thomas, MD (retired) · Answer

Hypersensitivity of breast skin and especially nipples is not very common but occasionally it does occur. It is probably due to irritation of sensory nerves in the nipple and breast skin.

	&bull;This super sensitive stage almost always improves and becomes normal again within a few weeks.
	 

	Discuss it with your Plastic Surgeon if it lasts longer than 4-6 weeks.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The treatment for hypersensitivity (which is quite common) is "systematic desensitization:" you have to re-train the nerves that normal touch is not bad or dangerous. The quickest way to do this is to use a vibrator because nerves respond quickest to vibration stress. Take the vibrator and place it on the chest far away from where you are the most sensitive. Move the tip toward the sensitive area and then come off your skin before the sensation becomes too unpleasant. Repeat this several times in a row a few times a day and the hypersensitivity will disappear within 7-10 days (or sooner).

James Matas, MD (retired) · Answer

Certainly this problem is common after this procedure. The reason this happens is that the sensory nerves have been stretched and they need to settle down. Tincture of time will certainly help but application of ice packs laterally where the nerve has been stretched without direct application to skin i.e. use a washcloth as well as gentle massage of the same area laterally should help. Antiinflamatories like Advil may give some relief. Rest assured this will usually subside completely without any long term effects. Good luck in seeing improvement with this soon.

Extremely Sore/sensative Skin on Both Breasts Following Breast Aug

Answers (9)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

4 Weeks After Breast Aug - Severe Pain in Right Breast, Ribs and Right Lung

Sadness / Disgust - Range of Emotions After Breast Augmentation

Is There Any Way to Get my Breasts Closer Together Without Going Back Under the Knife?

Is 3 Weeks Long Enough to Past a Nicotine Unine Test & Have a Safe Breast Agumentation & Lift

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS