5 weeks post-op Breast Augmentation still having a lot of pain, is this normal?

Question

I had a breast augmentation 5 weeks ago. 400cc saline under muscle. I had little to no breast tissue before. I have had no pain from surgery until recently. I have been experiencing severe pain for about a week now under the incision. pain is constant and increases by simply coughing or laughing. I can't get in to see my surgeon until next week. Is this normal?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.
In my practice, after performing a BA 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.

Kind regards

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 plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Going from no pain to suddenly having pain is unusual. You should contact your surgeon to arrange a review.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and congratulations on your procedure! I would say that pain this far from surgery to start all of the sudden is somewhat unusual. Did you start working out again? Are you wearing a new bra (with a wire)? Is the incision raised or hypertrophic? If it is similar on both sides I would feel better telling you not to worry. If it is only on one side you should contact your PS sooner, especially with the holiday weekend coming up. Best of luck!

Andre Aboolian, MD · Answer

I would not panic as this may be normal.  Patients start doing more activities after the 3rd week and start having more pain.  You should speak directly to your plastic surgeon so you can get in earlier and have your concerns attended to.

5 weeks post-op Breast Augmentation still having a lot of pain, is this normal?

Answers (9)