Sharp Pains in Breasts when Laying Down

Question

Hi I had a breast lift and augmentation a week ago, with 300 cc silicone implants under the muscle. My breasts feel heavy and generally sore which is to be expected. When I lay down on my back, even with pillows, I get very sharp, burning pains at the very top of each breast, which make it unbearable to lay down. Is this normal, what would be causing it, and will it improve. I am taking pain killers, but it doesn't seem to help.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Most likely the sharp pains you are experiencing are due to recovering nerves (dysesthesias) and descent of the implant in the breast pocket. Make sure you discuss this at your next post op appointment and if the pain is unbearable, call your surgeon's office.

Steven Goldman, MD · Answer

Pain at the top of the breast when lying down may be from upward movement of the implants when you lie down. An elastic breast band (Raineywear.com or Designveronique.com) worn at the top of the breast when you sleep can provide counterpressure. Of course, check with your physician if the pain persists.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

The pain you describe is muscle spasm. This is normal after breast augmentation. It may be diminished with oral Valium tablets at night. I would visit with my plastic surgeon and let him/her examine you.

	Good Luck,

	Leo Lapuerta Jr., MD FACS

	Triple Board Certified Plastic Surgery

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are still at the very early stages of recovery and it is very normal and expected. Continue taking your pain medication prescribed by your Doctor.  If your pain does not get better in time it is best to see your board certified plastic surgeon.It
would always be best to visit your board-certified plastic surgeon and get a
full assessment for your concerns.  Best
of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for your question. I have included some typical expectations of breast
surgery recovery and signs to watch for following breast augmentation:
Stiffness, swelling
and bruising in the chest region: These are normal experiences as the skin,
muscles and tissue heal. Pain medication and muscle relaxants will help you
cope with any discomfort. Consistent sharp pain should be reported to your
board-certified surgeon.Hypersensitivity of
nipples or lack of sensitivity: This is normal and will gradually resolve over
time.A mild to severe itchy
feeling of the breasts is possible as healing progresses. An antihistamine like
Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. If the skin becomes
red and hot to the touch, contact your board-certified surgeon
immediately.Asymmetry, the breasts
look different, or heal differently: Breasts may look or feel quite different
from one another in the days following surgery. This is normal. No two breasts
in nature or following surgery are perfectly symmetrical.Discuss returning to
work with your board-certified surgeon, in our office it is typically 3-5
days post-surgery but you may not overexert yourself or do any heavy lifting.You may resume
exercise and your normal routine at six weeks unless your surgeon advises
otherwise.The pain you are describing may be nerve regeneration. Please follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon with any concerns or questions about pain and recovery. Wishing you all the best.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

What happens is the lateral intercostal nerves, those that come up between the ribs, were stretched by your activity and the implant. The result is a shooting, stabbing type pain. At times this pain can feel like a deep burn or an ache. Gentle massage along the lateral edge of the breast usually helps. This pain is not usually indicative of any problem with the implant or your result and will get better over time.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question.

	The pains you are describing fall within the normal and expected pattern in the early post-operative course. Given their bilateral nature, I would not be too concerned. You may be experiencing muscle spasms, which can be lessened with the use of muscle relaxants. If the pains should worsen over time or become intolerable, I would confer with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

	Best,

	Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

The symptoms you are experiencing most likely are perfectly normal. Muscle tightness or spasm may be the cause of these symptoms. On occasion a muscle relaxant may help you symptoms. Confer with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

What you are describing sounds pretty normal after only a few days after your surgery. Please contact your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Don't worry, your pain and soreness will likely get better over the next several days to weeks.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have sharp pain after breast augmentation. Your surgery was only 1 week ago. Usually, patients have "tight" pain/discomfort for 3-5 days after breast augmentation; and it will diminish soon afterwards. However, some patients can experience occasional, sharp pain weeks or months after breast augmentation due to nerve pain.

Sharp Pains in Breasts when Laying Down

Answers (14)