Burning/stinging pain after breast augmentation, is this a normal part of the recovery?

Question

I am 9 days post op and starting at about day 3, I began getting a severe pain that was like a stabbing/burning/stinging sensation at the fold of my breast various times of the night every night and whenever I try to get up in the morning. I've read about zinger pains, but it sounds like those are intense but pass quickly. These pains are persistent and excruciating until I am able to get into an upright position, which has sometimes taken 30 minutes. Is this a normal part of recovery?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery difficulties.  Due to tissue swelling and the stretch created by the implant volume it is not uncommon to have similar pain issues as you describe.  This should improve with prescription pain medication as well as muscle relaxants but I would alert your surgeon to your current symptoms.  They know your procedure best to offer the best advice.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the symptoms you described, you can be experiencing some nerve pain. Please follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in-person assessment. Perhaps he/she can provide you with a nerve medications to help with your symptoms.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Katie.  So sorry you are having these problems, but it sounds like incision site pain, especially if you have very large implants.  However, a bit unusual to experience such extreme pain 9 days postop.  Better see your plastic surgeon ASAP, just to be safe.  Good luck!

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the postoperative discomfort you are having 9 days following breast augmentation.  I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns so that he/she can make further recommendations.  Good communication between patient and surgeon is very important both before and after surgery to achieve optimal results.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. I'm sorry to hear that you're having such discomfort after your surgery. Each patient heals differently and it is not out of the question to have discomfort at 9 days post-op. However if you are having severe pain as you described, I suggest that you see your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to rule out complications. Best of luck with your recovery,

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

After surgery you can develop brief, intense pain related to nerve regeneration. However, your episodes of pain are persistent and not typical of nerve regeneration. I recommend that you definitely see your surgeon soon to rule out any important causes of the pain.

Burning/stinging pain after breast augmentation, is this a normal part of the recovery?

Answers (6)

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Burning/stinging pain after breast augmentation, is this a normal part of the recovery?

Answers (6)

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