Pain level 24 hours after Breast Augmentation?

Question

I am getting implants. I cant recall the exaxt cc's. I am thinking 350.Just curious how much pain can be expected 24 hours after surgery?

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

Hi,
Most women don't say that they have a lot of pain after breast augmentation. They say if feels like "tightness", a "pulled muscle", "soreness", "engorgement like when my milk came in". I also don't feel that narcotics are necessary post-op. Getting out of bed the next day, stretching and lifting your arms and taking ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil is what I advise my patients. However, please follow your own doctors instructions after surgery. Best wishes for a successful surgery!

Carl de los Reyes, MD · Answer

It depends if implants are placed below or above muscle. Everyone is different to how they react to surgery and pain levels. Below muscle usually has more discomfort and pain level would be about 3-4 on scale of 1-10. Above muscle would be less at about 2-3. Again, there is variability.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
Thank you for the question.

Pain is a normal part of recovery after breast augmentation surgery, and can range from mild to moderate. The level of pain can vary depending on factors like your skin type and pain tolerance. The discomfort typically subsides as each week passes by and patients can return to work few days after the surgery.

Patients typically experience muscle soreness in the chest area or when moving/raising the arms, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle.

Patients may also feel a burning sensation around your incisions right after surgery, but this should go away quickly.
 
Implant size discussion and implant selection is one of the most important steps during your consultation with plastic surgeon. The decision-making process depends on patient’s desires, as well as breast and soft tissue dimensions. 
 
I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.
 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

The general expectation post op with breast augmentation is 3 days of tight pressure that mimics breast milk engorgement. Most people are off of pain pills and onto Tylenol within a couple of days after surgery. Overall, breast augmentation is a very well tolerated procedure.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello, I am excited for your upcoming surgery.  Most of my patients are comfortable after surgery with the regiment of medication that I give them to follow.  I give all my patients the Exparel injection during surgery which helps with pain for 72 hours after surgery.  If this injection is something your surgeon offers, I recommend you get that.  I also give a small dose of Gabapentin, Celebrex, Tylenol and valium if needed and patients are feeling great. Many of them compare the discomfort to engorged breasts when breast feeding. Most of the discomfort is pressure not pain.  Best of luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Breast Augmentation Recovery
The first three days after surgery, women who have had children commonly say they feel like they did when their breasts were fully engorged with milk after childbirth. Women who have not had children describe the feeling as some tightness, burning or pressure. Dr. Eisenberg will prescribe medications to make you more comfortable during this period. The discomfort usually starts to ease up on the fourth day after surgery. More than 90 percent of the patients are back to work in an office setting on the fifth day. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

Depending on the plane of placement - under muscle versus above muscle. Above muscle is less painful - perhaps a 2 out of 10 pain. Under muscle is a little more painful, perhaps a 3 out of 10. Overall the recovery is easy. Find a board certified plastic surgeon and you will do well.

Zeshaan Maan, MD · Answer

Hi! This will depend on a combination of your surgeon’s technique, your postoperative regimen, and your own pain tolerance. 
Going under the muscle and extended dissection (if going through an axilla incision for example) are two major technical factors.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Pain varies from patient to patient and the location of the implants. Implants placed on top of the muscle are not very painful. Implants placed behind the muscle will feel like you are engorged with milk.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Post operative pain is worst the first few days after surgery.  Typically narcotic pain medication is prescribed to help manage it.  Some patients also prefer to have a medication called Exparel injected during surgery which helps with post operative pain for about 72 hours.

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