13 days post op and right breast is more SORE than the other plus zingers. Is this normal? (Photo)

Seldom after breast augmentation do both sides heal symmetrically. The photographs do not demonstrate anything that is of concern.

Swelling, discomfort, shooting pains (zingers) are all normal part of the postoperative healing process.  The breast on the dominant hand (right handed vs left handed), will usually be more swollen and with more discomfort due to the fact that you are using that hand and chest muscles more than the opposite hand and chest.  Furthermore, the processes of healing are similar between the breasts, but not identical, and therefore they progress at different rates.  All of this is normal process of healing.

Many women experience nerve pain after breast augmentation. This can include numbness, hypersensitivity and electrical shock types of sensations. This is due to stretching and irritation of the nerves. This is usually temporary and resolves over the first 6 weeks after surgery. Certainly by 3 months, it should completely go away. Very rarely is the nerve pain permanent - and occurs with very large implants that put constant traction on the nerves on the sides of the breast.It is very common for one breast to feel different from the other after breast augmentation especially if you start out with asymmetry before surgery. Usually the smaller side experiences more symptoms because it goes through more significant stretching.Some plastic surgeons use a nerve blocking type of medication, neurontin, after surgery to help with this nerve pain, but does have the side effect of making you feel sleepy.

Dear Jes,thank you for your post. I don't see any problem from your photos.  It is normal to have some nerve pain 'zingers'.  This is due to the nerve being stretched from the augmentation.   Some women react with numbness, some with hypersensitivity, some with 'zingers'.  Even in the same woman, each side could react differently, especially if you start assymetric.  This should dissipate slowly over the next few months.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Your pain may be part of the normal healing process but I suggest that you consult your plastic surgeon for an examination and diagnosis.  Since you had an asymmetry more extensive dissection they have been required on that side and explain the difference in pain.  Please see your surgeon.