Pain Level for Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck?

Breast augmentation if usually not too painful, especially if a muscle relaxant and pain medication are given and properly used. Usually the majority of pain subsides after a couple of days.
A Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is definitely more painful than breast augmentation. Most patients compare the pain to that of a c-section. Again with proper pain medication, usually combined with a light muscle relaxant; most patients will find the pain to be tolerable.

Hello, and thank you for your question about the pain level when combining a tummy tuck with breast augmentation. It’s a very smart question to ask because understanding the recovery experience helps you prepare both physically and mentally.

The truth is, yes, combining a tummy tuck and breast augmentation is more uncomfortable than having either surgery alone, but for most patients, the pain is very manageable with proper pain control, good surgical technique, and realistic expectations.

The tummy tuck portion tends to cause the most discomfort, mainly because of the tightening of the abdominal muscles (muscle plication) and the removal of extra skin. Patients often describe the tummy tuck recovery as feeling like they did 1,000 sit-ups — there's a lot of tightness, soreness, and difficulty standing up straight at first. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, usually causes a different kind of soreness — a feeling of pressure or heaviness on the chest, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle.

When the two surgeries are combined, you’ll likely feel tight and sore across your whole core, making movement a little challenging in the beginning. The first 3 to 5 days are typically the most uncomfortable, but after that, most patients notice gradual improvement each day. Modern pain management strategies — including muscle relaxants, oral pain medications, nerve blocks, and sometimes long-acting numbing agents like Exparel — make the pain much more tolerable than it used to be even a few years ago.

Having help at home for the first 1 to 2 weeks is crucial because you’ll need assistance getting out of bed, preparing meals, and performing simple tasks while you recover. Walking hunched over at first is normal, and you’ll slowly regain your mobility as the swelling goes down and the tissues relax.

Most patients, even those who are nervous about pain, say they are very glad they combined the procedures once they’re healed — it saves time, cost, and recovery periods compared to doing the surgeries separately.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question. You’re clearly planning ahead wisely, and that will make your recovery smoother and more successful.

Wishing you a safe surgery and an easy recovery ahead!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Be sure to talk with your plastic surgeon about personalized pain management plans, attend all your post-operative visits, and set up strong support at home so you can focus fully on healing. Good preparation makes all the difference!

Many patients find that combining breast augmentation with tummy tuck more convenient since the recovery time is combined.  My patients who have these combined procedures do very well provided they have some help during the first few days after surgery, particularly if they have a young family.  Post operative pain is easily controlled with oral medication and driving is restricted until the medications are discontinued, which is usually in 3-5 days.  This, of course, may vary depending on the individual and the type of breast augmentation or tummy tuck  that is performed, particularly if there is extensive repair of the  diastasis (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles). If you have a limited tummy tuck, the recovery period will most likely be easier. For either procedure, I tend to be more liberal in my post-operative restrictions than some surgeons.  Patients are advised to avoid lifting over 25 - 35 pounds during the first week, and for tummy tucks, no heavy lifting over 50 pounds or straining to lift for 6 weeks.  This typically does not preclude parents from lifting their young children during the early post operative period.  Although I dislike the term "Mommy Makeover" I have many patients of all ages who find combining procedures to be more convenient and often more cost effective than scheduling them at separate times.  I wouldn't let concern about excessive pain keep you from combining the procedures.  It can be controlled and may be less than you anticipate.  Good luck to you.