2 months post op, I have intense pain around incisions. Any suggestions?

Question

I am 2 months post op breast augmentation and my incisions are extremely painful, and seem to be getting darker. My incision on the right side is significantly more painful than the left; and when I massage my right implant, it feels like air bubbles moving around, and I can feel what is supposed to be "dissolvable" sutures. Suggestions?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I'm not sure why you would have significant pain in the incisions two weeks after breast augmentation. Your massage might be aggravating the inflammatory process. I would check in with your surgeon.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are experiencing normal discomfort and noise, implant moving in pocket, after breast implant surgery. Seek the advice from your surgeon. Best of luck

Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS · Answer

I would call for a follow-up with your surgeon.  Two months is a bit early to develop a thick or hypertrophic scar but these may cause incisional pain and are treatable with IPL/Lasers and occasionally steroid injections.  Ask your surgeon but it is rare to use anything but an absorbable suture and will take months to resolve.  Fluid or air around an implant that may create noise always resolves and should be done by 3 months or so.Keep your plastic surgeon in the loop!We appreciate you following up and are interested in you best possible outcome!Dr B

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation patients generally have a very predictable post operative course.  Initially, their implants sit high, their breasts appear overly full in the upper pole, the lower pole appears tight and potentially boxy, and the implants feel very firm and stiff.  Sometimes the breast skin is shiny from tissue edema and the nipple and areola is swollen or puffy.  Gradually over 6-8 weeks these issues resolve, the implants settle, the breasts soften and swelling resolves.  Many patients come in at 2-3 months saying they wish they went "a little bit bigger."  In my opinion this is because they get used to their new breasts while they are still swollen.  So, theoretically, this concept of "I wish I went a little bit bigger" can NEVER be achieved because no matter what implant the surgeon selects, they patient will get used to it while it's still swollen.Beyond the above, incisions will be red, raised, and firm.  Eventually, in the majority of patients, the incision will turn white, flatten and soften.   This can take a year or more.  And the red, raised and firm will actually get worse for the first 4-6 months better it gets better.  There can also be incisional discomfort or pain that gets worse before it gets better.  And it's also not uncommon for there to be differences between one side of the body and the other which likely have no significance.While your healing sounds like it's within normal, if you are concerned you should schedule a meeting with your surgeon to discuss it.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Kelsey,Thanks for your question.The noise you are experiencing may be normal caused by fluid around the implant.  The pain may be from the suture knots coming to the surface called spitting.  You should follow up with your Plastic Surgeon for more difinitive answers.Best of luck.Dr. T

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

I would agree with the other answers that you should return to your physician for further evaluation.  Absorbing sutures can attempt to extrude through a wound and may be painful.  You need to be re-evaluated to make sure nothing else, such as an infection, is present.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you need to be seen by your surgeon to be properly evaluated. If sutures are spitting they can be removed. Best of luck.

Jon E. Rast, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you are having problems. I would recommend that you return to see your plastic surgeon.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be best to return to your PS so that an exam can be done to determine what may be the cause of your pain.  Often time this pain will get better but better to have it checked out.

2 months post op, I have intense pain around incisions. Any suggestions?

Answers (9)

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