Dull ache 6 weeks after augmentation?

Question

I had my breast augmentation on 7/16. My recovery was uneventful and healing has been smooth and problem free. This past week, I noted a dull ache in the right breast that comes and goes. It's not the "electricity" sensation I've experienced and attribute to nerves waking up. It feels like the dull ache is coming from deep in the breast. It's firm, but no more so than the other. I massage daily. There is also soreness around the shoulder blade. Is this a strained muscle or a cause for concern?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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.

Josh Olson, MD · Answer

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

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

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

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

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.

Dull ache 6 weeks after augmentation?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dull pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Dull pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Dyesthesia of the breasts after a breast augmentation

Answer: Dyesthesia of the breasts after a breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Dull ache 6 weeks after augmentation?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dull pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Dull pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Dyesthesia of the breasts after a breast augmentation

Answer: Dyesthesia of the breasts after a breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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