I am one month out from breast augmentation and my sternum still feels very bruised, how long will this last?

Question

Is this normal? It’s espexially painful when I get up in the morning or if I press on the area. Everything else seems to be healing great, I just don’t see why this is still bothering me.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is normal at 1 month following breast augmentation to still have some soreness or tenderness which will resolve as healing progresses.  Should you have increased pain or swelling, best to contact your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

While I wouldn't say your pain is typical of most breast augmentations, it could certainly be normal and how your body is responding to the surgery. The feelings of "pressure" on the sternum will resolve over several weeks. Give it more time, and if the pain does not resolve or worsens, make sure you follow-up with your surgeon. Good luck.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, everyone recovers differently after this operation.  There are many factors that can affect the degree and length of discomfort after surgery, like the size of the implants relative to the breast size, implant pocket and other anatomical factors, a person's pain tolerance, their daily activities, etc.  If you are seeing gradual improvement and your surgeon feels that you are healing normally it is probably ok, but you could always discuss this with your surgeon if you feel that it is abnormal.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

The recovery period varies and when discussing this with my patients I let them know ususally you will have pain for two to three weeks then it should rapidly improve

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ameliacam25,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have pain and areas of tenderness after your surgery, and sternal pain suggests the your surgeon released your muscle edge.  The pain should go away in a few weeks, however, have patience and give it time.  Hope this helps!  Congratulations on your recent breast augmentation!

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Discomfort in the sternal area is usually related to release and stretch of the pectoralis major muscles, which originate off the sternal edge. The skin is also commonly stretched here, especially if the implants are large and/or high profile. It may take a few months for discomfort to subside, assuming normal healing.

I am one month out from breast augmentation and my sternum still feels very bruised, how long will this last?

Answers (7)

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