Painful incision 1 week after breast augmentation. Is it normal?

Question

My BA was on 05/22/14. My right incision (my active arm) is healing well and have no pain, but the left one is so painful, I always am aware of it. When I have prolong period of standing, the pain is worse and I can feel the pain go all the way down to my left upper stomach area. When I move my left arm, it hurts more, I can even feel it as I type this question. Is it normal? The site is covered in a white small tape, I can't see it, but it does not look red or swollen. Thank you for your answer!

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are
having in your breast augmentation incision. I am assuming this is an
inframammary incision.  It is not
uncommon for one incision to hurt more than the other. These sensations can
manifest as aches, burning sensations, shooting pains, pulling sensations, amongst
other things; even numbness can occur. The exact cause is not often known.
Generally, these resolve over several weeks, but it may take a few months in
some cases.

Your comment regarding the pain traveling down
toward your left upper abdomen suggests that perhaps you may have thrombophlebitis.
Patients who develop Mondor’s disease following breast augmentation can have
pain in the region of the inframammary incision, and this pain can extend down
the lower chest wall.  I recently had a patient who noted a rather
persistent pain in her left inframammary incision for about a week. After that
time period she developed a Mondor’s cord, and the source of her pain was
therefore very evident.

Mondor’s superficial thrombophlebitis is an
inflammatory process which affects superficial veins of the breast and anterior
chest wall. The inflamed vein can present as a visible and palpable cord which
is particularly tender. This process is self-limiting and will resolve without
specific treatment. However warm compresses, gentle massage, and anti-inflammatory
drugs can provide improvement.

Again, I am not certain if this is what you
have, but you may want to follow the link below to read more. You should bring
your concerns to the attention of your surgeon who may have additional advice.
Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Keep your surgeon in the loop!  Get follow up as soon as you can. Of course it is normal to have incisional pain, sometimes severe. It sounds like this is all within the normal difference patients have from one side to the other, but you want to be sure.  All the best,"Dr. Joe"

Scott W. Wrye, MD · Answer

Hello there, I would inform your surgeons office so you can help manage the discomfort or pain that you’re feeling. It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort a week after surgery and you may have been prescribed pain medication for this reason but it’s always a good idea to keep your surgeon informed of your recovery process. An open line of communication with your surgeon is good for you and it’s good for your surgeon.

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

Sometimes women will have tenderness at the inframammary incisional
scar or slightly below it.  This area may
feel firm or may even look like a raised “guitar string”.  This may be what you are experiencing.  Anti-inflammatory
analgesic like Advil or Naprosyn and massaging of the area can be helpful.  Always follow-up with your plastic
surgeon so that he or she can determine that your recovery continues on track.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

Pain that is overwhelming and can't be minimized with prescribed pain medication should be checked out by your surgeon. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling you what it could be without a physical assessment.

Painful incision 1 week after breast augmentation. Is it normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Painful Incision Post Breast Augmentation

Answer: Painful Incision Post Breast Augmentation

Answer: Pain after BA

Answer: Pain after BA

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Painful incision 1 week after breast augmentation. Is it normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Painful Incision Post Breast Augmentation

Answer: Painful Incision Post Breast Augmentation

Answer: Pain after BA

Answer: Pain after BA

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.