Is breast reduction very painful?

Question

I am going have breast reduction next month I can not tolerate any pain. Is this surgery very painful ?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

In my opinion, breast reduction is not exceedingly painful.  The good thing is that your surgeon will manage your pain to keep manageable and at the end of your recovery period your back and neck will be pain-free.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Of all of the major surgeries that plastic surgeons perform, honestly, breast reduction tends to be low on the scale of pain. Women are usually so happy to have the extra tissue off that even the pain from the incisions is well-tolerated. Best wishes.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Overall, all surgeries have some level of discomfort. Since a reduction only deals with skin and fat (not muscle or bone) it is a very well tolerated operation.Most patents have some discomfort for a few days only but rarely true pain.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Frankly, there will be pain associated with this procedure.  How much pain, though, depends on your tolerance as well as pain management.  Also, please be sure that you see a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and is an expert in the breast reduction procedure.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely NOT.  There was a big study that showed not only is breast reduction the number one most satisfied procedure done by plastic surgeons, but it also has the least amount of pain associated with it.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.Every patient's pain threshold is different;  however, breast reduction surgery is generally very well tolerated.  Most patients do very well with the use of oral narcotics for 5 to 10 days post operatively.Best wishes.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the great questions Fran!  I can only tell you what I hear from my patients.  in general, breast reduction is usually lower on the pain the scale than other major surgeries.  part of this may be due to the fact that is simply a removal of skin and breast tissue and/or fat.  Surgery that doesn't involve the muscular layer or the fascial layer typically does not cause as much post-operative pain.  That being said, everybody is different.  If you already know you don't have good pain tolerance, then you are probably going to think the surgery is more painful than others might. I would recommend you speak with your plastic surgeon and let them know your concerns.  There may be some pre-operative things that can be done to help with post-operative pain management.  Also things like nerve blocks or the use of long acting lidocaine can be used to keep you comfortable for the first 24-48 hours.The number one thing is to make sure you communicate with your doctor.  Good Luck on your journey and hope this helps.  Thanks!

Peter Newen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.  That is a hard question to answer as pain is subjective.  I would like to tell you that it is not a painful surgery or minimally painful.  Most of my patients do very well with breast reduction surgery.  Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation to get all of your questions and concerns answered.Best of luck,Dr. Peter Newen

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

When you say that you cannot tolerate "any pain" that concerns me.  Breast reduction surgery entails moderate tenderness and some degree of pain but those with a very low pain threshold tend to take excess pain pills which makes matters worse.  Too many pain pills can make you nauseated or depressed (and certainly constipated) making the pain seem worse and leading to a viscious cycle of additional pain pills.My best advice while being sympathetic is to tell you to ask for a pain pump but remind you that you are proceeding to achieve potentially major benefits from your reduction surgery and that you need to be an adult and get through the first week in a mature and responsible way.  Remember that some degree of pain serves as a reminder to slow down and allow for proper healing.Good luck and I am hopeful that all will go well for you.  Overall, it's usually not that bad of a recovery (easier than breast implant surgery IMO).

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

All surgery is painful to some degree, and that includes breast reduction. But if you want maximum pain relief make sure your surgeon uses either a pain pump or Exparel injections. The majority of patients are off their pain meds and comfortable on Ibuprofen before the end of the first week.

Is breast reduction very painful?

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