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Nipples hurt after Breast Augmentation (week 3 post op). Is it ok?

After wearing that surgical bra for the 3rd week my nipples started to hurt. I take it off during the day for a couple of hours but still.. How women wear bras? Do their nipples hurt all the time because of their bra's preassure? Or is it because of long time wearing that bra and it's a little tight?

Doctor Answers 4

August 25th, 2016

Nipple sensitivity due to BBA in 3rd week postop

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Thank you for your question!

Changes in nipple sensation and sensitivity are very common, especially this early in the recovery period. Your surgeon may have counselled you about this, but basically what happens is that implants, especially large implants, may press against sensory nerves near the breast tissue leading to either increased or decreased sensitivity in breast sensation. This is why going for a moderate sized implant is best. Normally, the sensitivity you have described subsides after 2-4 weeks on its own.

This is because your breasts will stretch to accommodate your implants, and your sensory nerves will no longer be compressed. The final results from breast augmentation can result anywhere from 3-6 months.

It is best to be in touch with you plastic surgeon for follow-ups and questions. If the pain is too much to bear, ask your surgeon if gabapentin would help. Gabapentin can help with neuropathic pain and it may help you but it does take a few days to begin working. You may alternatively try on a different sized bra that has soft padding and see if that helps.

Always consult with them first, and their instructions should take precedence over everything else you read here. Their pain management protocol should be followed, and you should discuss your concerns of hypersensitivity with them.

Hope this helps.
Martin Jugenburg, MD
August 25th, 2016

Post Op Nipple Sensitivity

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Hello,
Thank you for your question. Nipple sensitivity is common post op and will usually return to normal within the first month. You could share your concern with your Plastic Surgeon and see if they recommend switching bras or using some padding to relieve pressure for a while.
All the best

Learn more: https://edelsteincosmetic.com/learning-centre/breast-augmentation/

Jerome Edelstein, MD
August 25th, 2016

Nipple Pain Post Op 3 weeks

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Many women experience post operative nipple discomfort which is due to the stretching of the nerve supply to the nipple and areola.  This usually resolves within 6 to 8 weeks although occasionally women will have some degree of hypersensitivity after the procedure.  At this time, the discomfort can be decreased by wearing something over the nipple to protect it from rubbing.

Barry M. Schwartz, MD
Weston Plastic Surgeon

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August 25th, 2016

Nipple pain post BA

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Nipple pain post BA. Many women have changes and nipple feeling both too sensitive for a lesson today for a month or two postop. This usually disappears after about 1 to 2 months. . There is no need to worry as long as the nipples have a normal color. Sometimes ice packs for ibuprofens will help.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired)
Oklahoma City Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.