How Long Does the "Sunburn" Sensation Stay After a Breast Implant?

Question

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Unfortunately, it is hard to give you good advice without direct examination.

	The "sunburn&rdquo; sensation you are describing is likely related to irritation/inflammation of sensory nerves serving the breast skin.  This hypersensitivity of the breasts can and/or nipple/areola complexes occurs  frequently after breast surgery ( to some degree).  

	How long the hypersensitivity persists will vary from patient to patient but generally tends to dissipate over the course of several weeks to months. I have not had a patient experience longer-term hypersensitivity.  

	It may be helpful to avoid tight fitting undergarments or clothing. Gentle massage of the skin may help to gradually &ldquo;desensitize"  the involved areas. Anti-inflammatories under the direction of your surgeon may also be helpful.

	Best wishes.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.

	There are many nerves that can be effected by breast implant surgery.

	The sensation can go back to normal. The best recommendation would be to do small frequent touches and massaging of the implants. These maneuvers would cause desensitization and retraining of the nerve endings.

	Best wishes,

	Dr. Sajjadian

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Please be reassured that there are sensory nerves that are unavoidably cut, irritated, and stretched by the surgical process of creating a pocket for the implants, as well as the resultant tissue de-stretch, swelling decrease, and gradual return to normal as healing occurs. Burning, itching, tingling, and sharp "static electric"-like sensations are all described by patients. Every patient will have different sensations (or lack thereof), and will describe them differently!

	Desensitizing massage is a good idea, but don't worry, this sensation is not permanent! It may actually get worse before it gets better (sorry), but it WILL gradually go away over several months and return to normal (a "new normal" you can happily live with). As healing progresses, these sensations will diminish and gradually subside.

	You need not fear about this! Honest!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Hypersensitivity may happen after breast augmentation as the tissue stretches and things heal.  It usually gets better with time.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It could take 3 weeks or longer.  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

How Long Does the "Sunburn" Sensation Stay After a Breast Implant?

Answers (6)

Answer: Hypersensitivity

Answer: Hypersensitivity

Answer: Recommendation

Answer: Recommendation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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How Long Does the "Sunburn" Sensation Stay After a Breast Implant?

Answers (6)

Answer: Hypersensitivity

Answer: Hypersensitivity

Answer: Recommendation

Answer: Recommendation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.