Pain on left breast, 3 weeks post op from breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Question

My breast augmentation was 23 days ago. I got 325 cc silicone breast implants under the muscle incision was on the areola. My recovery has been amazing with no pain until this morning I woke up with my left breast in pain. It feels like needles are poking me around the areola. When I move my left arm suddenly I feel slight pain and also while I walk. Is this normal 3 weeks post op? No bruising, or swelling or any symptoms ?

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question. It is always appropriate to bring new concerns to the attention of your surgeon. I would offer some reassurance in telling you that at 3 weeks you are still very early in the recovery process. With breast augmentation and stretching of the soft tissues, nerves are irritated and can cause symptoms of pain, tingling, etc at various times during the initial weeks and months of your recovery. Some weeks may be better than others. And it may come and go without any precipitating event to explain why it started at all. This should resolve with time. Good luck!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to feel asymmetric pain at 3 weeks post op. However, if this pain is new and is getting worse, not better, then I think you should have it assessed in person by your surgeon. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question with us. At this point of your post op, 3 weeks is normal to have pain and swelling. In my practice, after performing a breast augmentation I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

This sounds like your nerves are regenerating and hence, the needle like feeling you are experiencing. I advise my patients it can take months for the nerves to fully regenerate. However, if you are still concerned, best to follow up with your operating surgeon so you can be properly examined in person and reassured as necessary.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Pain on left breast, 3 weeks post op from breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: 3 weeks post op

Answer: 3 weeks post op

Answer: Breast Implants / Breast Augmentation / Cohesive Gel Implants/ Silicone Implants / Breast Surgery / Breast Implant Revision

Answer: Breast Implants / Breast Augmentation / Cohesive Gel Implants/ Silicone Implants / Breast Surgery / Breast Implant Revision

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.

Pain on left breast, 3 weeks post op from breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: 3 weeks post op

Answer: 3 weeks post op

Answer: Breast Implants / Breast Augmentation / Cohesive Gel Implants/ Silicone Implants / Breast Surgery / Breast Implant Revision

Answer: Breast Implants / Breast Augmentation / Cohesive Gel Implants/ Silicone Implants / Breast Surgery / Breast Implant Revision

Browse related questions

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.