Is It Normal to Feel Different Types of Pain in Breast After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Question

I had my breast Aug. a month and a week ago.They look really good and I love them.My question is, I feel a difference in the pain on each breast. My breast on my right side, I experience little to no pain and the breast on my left side is a different story. I feel a stretchy/pulling pain by the roundness of my breast under the armpit.I usually only feel it when I lay down.I think they dropped already or atleast well on their way.In the photo it is the left breast.(your left) that I refer too

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

From the first day of surgery on, patients commonly say that one breast is more tender than the other, and they are concerned that something is wrong. This is absolutely normal and happens to all patients. Breast augmentation is actually two separate surgeries (one on the left side and one on the right), so it’s no surprise that each side heals at a different rate and with a different sensitivity from the other.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

For unknown reasons, one breast always has a little more pain than the other after a breast augmentation.  It could be differential stretching, nerve endings close to the implant, differential pressure on the ribs, etc.  The good news is that your breasts look great.  Kudos to your plastic surgeon and kudos to you for choosing your plastic surgeon. 

	I believe in the prophylactic use of Accolate (an asthma pill) to decrease the chance of capsular contracture around an implant.  You probably are having just normal post op pain, but if it persists, it would be appropriate to see your plastic surgeon.  If there is, in fact, any sign of capsular contracture, discuss with him or her the use of Accolate.  In my practice, this definitely decreases pain due to the early formation of scar around the breast implant.

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Thank you for your question. Although it is difficult to diagnose what is going on without an examination, sharp shooting pains are not uncommon in the first several months. I suspect most of these are due to nerve regeneration. In any case, they nearly all resolve within several months. As always, I would suggest a follow up visit with a plastic surgeon if your symptoms do not resolve.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to experience pain following
breast augmentation surgery.In some
cases, this pain may only involve one breast.This pain is usually related to elevation of the muscles during
submuscular breast pocket formation.In
addition, spasm of these muscles can contribute to post-operative discomfort as
well. The
pain associated with breast augmentation is severe in the first 24 to 48 hours
following surgery but rapidly diminishes with time.We typically use a synthetic codeine derivative
called hydrocodone which has a decreased incidence of nausea compared to
codeine.We replace narcotic pain
relievers with Tylenol as soon as possible following surgery to avoid the
potential for drug problems.We also use
muscle relaxants in the immediate post-operative period. Pain
tolerance varies from patient to patient following breast augmentation.If you’re having pain following this
procedure, it’s important that you contact your plastic surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Your breasts can heal at different rates, and many women find that one side may not have any pain while the other is totally different.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes different types of pain will feel different, muscle pain will be an ache and deep soreness vs nerve pain will be more electric like in nature

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very common to feel different types of sensations in each breast after breast augmentation.  This is based on how the tissue moves, how some of the inflammation is settling down, the amount of stretch or irritation on the nerves, etc.  With the pictures provided, it appears that you're doing very well overall and I encourage her to continue to work with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to achieve your best possible results.wirthplasticsurgery.com

Suzanne M. Quardt, MD · Answer

I would encourage you to schedule a visit with a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon immediately to determine the exact source of your
discomfort.  You will certainly require a
clinical examination and may also require additional imaging studies such as an
ultrasound, mammogram, and/or MRI.  If
these indicate a rupture, your surgeon will likely encourage you to proceed
with surgery.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the pictures and question.  It is not uncommon for breasts to heal in different ways.  It depends on the anatomy of a person.  Each breast heal at a different rate.  I shouldn't worry too much about it.  Visit your board-certified plastic surgeon if you have any concerns.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

After a breast augmentation many changes are occurring in the upper portion of your body.  During this time your muscles are reacting to the stretching created by the presence of the implant.  Because of this it is very common for patients to experience different types of pain in each breast after breast augmentation.  It is very uncommon for this persists past 3 months postoperatively.

Is It Normal to Feel Different Types of Pain in Breast After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

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