Pain on only one side 5 weeks post breast augmentation, is it normal? (photos)

Question

My right breast is very sensitive, and my left one seems completely recovered (like I can squeeze it, anything and it doesn't hurt at all). I work as a cashier in a grocery store and I use mostly my right arm, so I think it may be the reason, but I'm still concerned... Also, the right scar is.. less pretty! So yeah, my right breast is very sensitive, sometimes when I don't even touch it it hurts.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to see one breast recovering slightly differently than the other.  This may be due to differences in activity level, but it may not.  As long as all other things are equal, meaning size, shape, and firmness are pretty much the same between them, I suspect this falls into that category of differing rates of recovery for the two breasts.  It is also not unusual to see hypersensitivity of one or both breasts or nipples too, and this usually runs its course and resolves on its own.  It is most likely due to irritation, stretching, or recovery and "awakening" of the injured nerves to the breast and nipple.  There is a small degree of what appears to be superficial separation of the skin edges of part of your right breast wound, but there does not appear to be any drainage or signs of infection, so this is probably not related and nothing to worry about.  As an aside, I'm impressed with how short your incisions are, how well positioned they are, and how fine the scars are shaping up to be.  I think your surgeon did an outstanding job with that!  Make sure that you discuss all of these things with your own surgeon too, as he or she as the ability to examine you if necessary and to follow you closely to make sure there is nothing wrong.  In general, however, these things just take a bit of time, but they resolve on their own eventually.  Good luck.

Bahair Ghazi, MD · Answer

Both breast may heal at the same rate or at different rates especially given that we use our dominant arm more. Things to look out for are: asymmetry in firmness or swelling and redness that may suggest infection. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon sooner if any of these arise.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, thanks for posting your photos. Breasts can heal at different rates, so it is not uncommon what you are experiencing. Still, it is best to follow up with your surgeon directly with any concerns that you may have. Best to you. -Dr. Coan

Lisa M. DiFrancesco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The scars in the photos look fine. You may want to ask your surgeon about scar cream to minimize the scarring. It is not unusual for one side the heal faster. The sensitivity on the right could be from nerve pain or muscle spasm. A medication such as lyrica or a muscle relaxer may help on the days you are experiencing pain. Let your surgeon know so they can help you with the discomfort.

Pain on only one side 5 weeks post breast augmentation, is it normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast Augmentation- Pain and tenderness on one side

Answer: Breast Augmentation- Pain and tenderness on one side

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Pain on only one side 5 weeks post breast augmentation, is it normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast Augmentation- Pain and tenderness on one side

Answer: Breast Augmentation- Pain and tenderness on one side

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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.