Why Does It Hurt So Badly Icing my Breasts 5 Days Post Op? (photo)

      The pectoralis major muscle is likely in spasm 5 days after surgery.  Sometimes, a muscle relaxant can be prescribed to help in the interim.

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

Thanks for your question and pictures.  Having some pain after a breast augmentation, especially submuscular,  is common.  It should be improving everyday.  If you are experiencing new pain without much change in activity level, you should contact your surgeon.  Also, the lump you show in your pictures may be a number of things and will be best diagnosed by an examination.  As far as icing, it will not help much 5 days after surgery.  It is usually only helpful within the first 24-48 hours.  Good luck!

I dont ask my patients to use ice for pain relief. I find it can be more harmful than helpful although each surgeon has their own protocol. give your surgeon a call

Better yet CALL your surgeon so he/she can see this issue. It could be a very minor issue or could be the beginning of a bleed. PLEASE call

Please call your surgeon about this.  The lump you feel may be a lymph node, the implant margin bulging against thin tissue, muscle spasm, or something else altogether--an exam would help determine exactly what it is.  Pain after surgery should gradually improve each day, not worsen.  Ice is usually only helpful in the first 24 hours after surgery--at this point, it may just make you more stiff.  A muscle relaxer may help, if your surgeon agrees.  Best wishes!

While it is common to have some discomfort after breast augmentation, extreme pain is not normal. Some muscle spasm is.  A lump is not, it may suggest a hematoma.  I would check with your surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for the question and pictures.

In my practice, I suggest that patients avoid  the use of ice (or any other modality) that causes discomfort. Although some discomfort is to be expected at this stage in your recovery, you should find that it is improving on a daily basis. The use of pain medication and/or muscle relaxants may continue to be necessary for a few more days.

The “lump” that you demonstrate well in your photograph, may be an area of muscle spasm, a lymph node, or the breast implant. Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to diagnose/advice you more precisely after direct examination.

 Best wishes with the remainder of the recovery; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the long-term outcome of the procedure.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Pain is a given after any type of surgery, including breast augmentation. If your pain is relatively equal in both breasts there should be less concern. However, if pain is more extreme on one side vs. the other you should contact your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. Muscle spasms and muscle pain can occur after submuscular placement of implants. The area in the right breast as shown in your photo may be a cramped or tight muscle as you have described. Hope this helps!

Thanks for your question and photos. Best of Luck!