Is it normal that the left rib cage (just under the incision) feels tender and sore to touch? (Photos)

It's not uncommon to still feel sore several weeks after surgery. This should improve over time. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon so that they can monitor your recovery and be sure things progress as they should.

It is not uncommon for patients to experience sore ribs or inflamed veins under the breast after surgery. They usually disappear by the 6th week. This condition is called Mondor's cords. Always a good idea to keep your surgeon in the loop when concerned.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Some amount of soreness after breast augmentation should be anticipated.  This should get better as the weeks go by. Pain one month after surgery is not unusual, and pain will be affected by size or implant, size of individual, anatomic constraints, and individual pain tolerance.   Three months after breast implants there may be some residual nerve regeneration that should help the breasts feel more normal over time.  

Thanks for your question!  It is completely normal to still have some tenderness or soreness around the breast one month post-op - especially because it is your dominant arm.  As long as you don't see increased swelling, bruising or increased pain, you should be fine.  Keep an eye on it and let your plastic surgeon know if your symptoms worsen.  Good luck!

It is not uncommon to have soreness around the incisions weeks after the procedure.  Your soreness sounds more like rib pain than the actual incision.I would discuss it with your surgeon to see if it is safe to take motrin or ibuprofen to help with the discomfort.  Over time this will resolve however.Hope that helps.

blondmisto11.  I appreciate your concern, however there can be soreness like you describe for weeks after this type of surgery. However, as a precaution, I would follow up with your plastic surgeon for evaluation. Good luck.

Hi blondmisto11,

I understand your concern. It is not uncommon to have red, sore and warm to touch breasts right after breast augmentation surgery. This is part of the normal healing process following the surgery. However, if you notice other symptoms that can indicate a complication or infection, visit your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your questionThe sharp pain you are describing may be nerve related. This could be that the scar is slightly irritated or slightly hypersensitive. Desensitization exercises on the scar can help but I would check with your surgeon to makesure there is nothing untoward. It doesn t sound like there.Being Left hand dominant and using your left side more means it is likely you mihgt have overused this side and therefore there is more discomfort on this sideI hope that is helpfulBW

It is not uncommon to have more soreness on the dominant side after breast augmentation.  Make sure you are doing your surgeon's scar care regime and following up closely with him or her.  

It is not uncommon to still have tenderness at this point in recovery.  Though there is no bruising evident on the surface of the skin, healing is still taking place below the surface.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon and contact him/her if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.