Dull ache 6 weeks after augmentation?

Thank you for your question.  While most discomfort is usually gone by this stage, you may still have some lingering discomfort.  This can be prolonged with strenuous activity.  I would recommend continuing with your exercise regimen but you use your discomfort to guide you on what you can or cannot do.  I would expect that with each week, things get better.

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear about your dull ache.  From your narrative, it sounds as if this is postoperative healing soreness rather than a cause of concern.  It is not uncommon to still have some discomfort at 6 weeks, and if nothing has changed acutely to your breasts' appearance, likely all is well.  Hang in there, this should resolve spontaneously over the next several weeks as your healing progresses.  

Your description still sounds like typical discomfort after a breast augmentation. You could be more active now and possibly working out so muscle strain is likely. The concerning things to look out for are redness around the incision or side of your breast, fevers, hardening of the breast, etc. I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon in the next week if your symptoms worsen just to be on the safe side. Best of luckJosh Olson MD

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is important
to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource
when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns.

Having said that, I am sorry to learn about your pain. It seems like you are
having some nerve pain. The nerves could still be 'waking up'. If you feel something is wrong, you
should absolutely call your PS.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

You are most likely experiencing dyesthesia of the 4th intercostal nerve.  Most would describe it as a dull ache or burning type sensation.  Massage of the area of tenderness as well as massage at the 4:00 position laterally.   This will help "burn out" the nerve and these uncomfortable sensations will end.  

Thank you for the question. What you are describing is fairly normal. You are in the early phase of the healing process. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The breast implants can appear to be high, not in the right position, oddly shaped, etc. During this time one can experience intermittent bouts of discomfort  which vary in nature. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. The swelling will start to abate and the breast tissue will relax and accommodate allowing the implants to settle into their desired position. The typical sensations that accompany the healing will start to dissipate as well. These sensations can also be secondary to increased activity of the patient so it is important that you listen to your body. This sounds as though it should resolve as you continue to heal.I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Pain after breast augmentation is not uncommon, and is not, in itself, a sign of a problem with your surgery.  Remember that natural healing takes about three months...even though you may return to normal activity well before that.  I like to recommend some OTC NSAID's to my patients.  I do not advocate routine massage.  The larger your augmentation implant, the larger the surgical footprint for appropriate placement.  Ergonomic alteration after surgery (the way you are using your shoulder carriage) may also be a component of the problem.  Sometimes recognition of this helps.  I am also an advocate of yoga type exercise and massage.  Most musculo-skeletal complaints after breast augmentation resolve in the post operative three month period of "usual" healing.