My breasts are so sore and stiff in the morning, about a week post op

Question

I'm wearing my garments and massaging as instructed, by the end of the day my breast are starting to feel softer. I'm typically a side sleeper but am still having trouble getting comfortable so I've been sleeping propped up on my back. When I wake my breast feel so sore, high and hard as rocks. They are stiff and tender to touch for a few hours upon waking and then after a while they aren't as sensitive and are able to me massaged without discomfort. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on how big you went, tightness and soreness is common after surgery. I recommend daily massage of the breasts (not the implants) at the 1 week mark just to wake the nerves up, keep the skin moisturized, and to begin to see the new normal. Better to touch than to avoid contact, which can make things worse.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You are still very early
in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling
to subside and implants to settle into proper position. Swelling usually
accounts for 10 - 15% of the initial post-operative appearance. The implants
may swell asymmetrically. Please discuss your concerns with your board
certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic
surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and
use of a support bra.

Regards,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your breast soreness and stiffness.  At a week of recovery your symptoms are common and due to the "trauma" of surgery causing your tissues to be sensitive and respond more acutely to swelling than other parts of your body.  I agree with using extra pillows behind your back at night as well as your garments.  Hang in there, this will improve quickly over the next 4-6 weeks.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Discomfort varies per person following a #BreastAugmentation. As healing will continue for 2-3 months, swelling, bruising, malposition and color differences are common. Sensation may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting #pains will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help.If my patients have concerns that their healing or pain are unusual, it is important for them to call the office and discuss these concerns or come in to be examined.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Right now, you are very early on in the
post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable
having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you
to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image. There are many
variables that contribute to a breast augmentation's final result. Preop size
and shape, IMF location, location of the implants and type of implant. Patients
heal at different rates and each breast will sometimes heal at a different
rate. Rest, relax, recover and heal. Please Express your concerns to your surgeon so he/she
can examine you at this time. Then reassess final result at 6 months.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions, and I'm sorry to hear you are having such discomfort. You should feel reassured that this is not uncommon for some women for only 1 week out. The tissues, esp. the muscle, need time to stretch and relax. You might check w/ your surgeon about using a drug such as Valium to help with this? As long as everything seems symmetric and nothing alarming about your incision, you probably just need more time. Best wishes.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

As you stand all day gravity pulls fluid toward your feet. When you recline to sleep. that fluid redistributes itself through your body. That is why we all wake up with puffy eyes every morning. Since you just had breast surgery, that area is inflamed and swells every night, causing it to be tight in the morning. After you get up, the swelling gradually goes down as the day goes on. My patients find moving the implants up and down in the pocket immediately after waking up helps the tightness. It will stop.Good luck,Greg Sexton, M.D.Columbia, S.C.

Angeline Lim, MD · Answer

It is very normal to still be uncomfortable a week after surgery.  A properly-fitting and comfortable bra helps, as does massage, but it does take several weeks for your post-surgical results to feel like normal breasts again.  Check in with your surgeon about over the counter medications that might be useful - many of my patients find a lot of relief with something like ibuprofen or Aleve, but definitely get the okay from your own surgeon before trying one of these NSAID medications that might cause bleeding or bruising postop.  Hope this is helpful, and hang in there - it will feel better soon.Dr. Lim

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite normal to have sensitivity during the initial healing phase. This can take several months to improve.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

At 1 week post op it is normal to feel discomfort.  Your breast may be sensitive for several weeks.  Continue the massage as your surgeon instructs and you will continue to feel better.

My breasts are so sore and stiff in the morning, about a week post op

Answers (10)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Will I be ok to attend a concert 5 days after my breast augmentation?

Are my periareolar incisions healing okay? I'm 3 months post op (Photo)

I have a thick scab that formed after the tape was taken off my incision around my areola after my BA, what should I do?(photos)

My 450cc gel implants look small. Any suggestions? (photos)

Can I masturbate after breast augmentation?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS