One breast is more sore than the other. Is this a normal recovery?

One breast is more sore? Thank you so very much for asking this important question. Each breast must be treated as an individual during breast augmentation surgery! I do find it it is completely normal for one side to be a little more swollen than the other, to experience a little bit more pain in the other side, and she looks slightly different then the other side in the early postoperative period. I also find that all these issues improve as the patient enters the drop and fluff stage of breast augmentation surgery. However, if there is enough concern about pain I always encourage my patiens to notify me of any serious concerns they might be having about the recovery period!Wishing you the very best recovery in the future, Dr. Aldo

Thank you for your question. It is important to remember that each breast heals at it’s own rate as a breast augmentation is essentially 2 separate surgeries (one on each breast). At 6 days post-op, breast soreness is perfectly normal. The burning sensation you are feeling in the nipples is nerve pain that comes from the skin having to stretch to accommodate the sudden increase in volume. This pain will subside with time but can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your recovery, I recommend reaching out to your surgeon as he or she is best equipped to advise you. Best of luck!

Hi there, Thank you for your question. A lot of what your describing sounds as though it could be normal. You will want to follow up with your PS to ensure appropriate healing is taking place. Best, realdrsix

Thank you for your question. At six days post-op, it is very normal for your breasts to heal at different rates. Please see your plastic surgeon to rule out a hematoma and for reassurance as to your recovery process is going smoothly.  Most likely there is nothing to be concerned about, often one muscle is a bit tighter than the other   Best of luck to you.  

Thank you for your question.  It is quite normal to have one breast be a bit more sore than the other following breast augmentation surgery.  That being said, increased pain should be reported to your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Right from the beginning it's very normal that one side feels perfect and the other sore, especially the armpit and side.This feeling will be off on on, and less and less, for about nine months. You might even have a few months during that time with no discomfort on either side and then all of a sudden get a little zing on that side. These are all normal healing occurrences. The nipple sensation usually takes about six weeks to normalize. It's always a good idea to keep your surgeon in the loop with your concerns. Good luck. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Dear char127,



I always explain to my patients that whenever we do bilateral surgery one side is always going to hurt more, bruise more and swell more. Take heart that if your surgeon is satisfied with your progress he or she is probably correct. You will have zingers and pain occasionally for the first four months after your surgery typically.



I hope this has been helpful.



Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Thank you for your question. It is  VERY COMMON to have a bit more discomfort on one side. This is because your muscle is typically thicker on one side( I'm assuming you implants are under the muscle). Good luck DrMaz 

Hi,
Yes, this is normal. For whatever reason, it seems most my patients complain of one side hurting more than the other. 6 days post-op is pretty early on in your recovery. You should expect to have the "painful twitches" you describe sporadically for a few months after surgery. Your nipples may be overly sensitive for a few months as well. Best wishes!

After breast augmentation, or any surgery for that matter, it is not uncommon for one side to hurt more than the other.  Signs that something may be wrong would be extensive brusing on the more painful side.  From what you describe all sounds very normal.  Good Luck