Sharp, shooting pains, and other discomforts in the breast are also common following surgery. The good news is that you can control most of your discomfort with the medication your surgeon prescribes for you.
This article explains what you need to know about the pain you experience after breast augmentation surgery and what you can do about it.
First Week
Immediately after surgery, the nurse will bring you to a recovery room, where you will rest until the anesthesia wears off. You will probably feel significant pain when you wake. Your doctor will help you manage any pain you experience with medication.
In the first week, you can expect to experience the following:
Lots of soreness Tightness in your chest Fatigue Nausea Swelling Bruising
These symptoms will fade over time. Be sure to have a trusted friend or family member with you during recovery. This support is vital in the hospital and in the first few days at home. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely for taking any prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.
After the first few days, your pain will likely decrease significantly. After about a week, your surgeon may clear you to return to everyday activities.
First Month
After a few weeks, you may not notice any pain or discomfort. In addition, swelling and bruising usually diminish.
That said, everybody is different and recovers at different speeds. So, you may still see some bruising, especially if you had complications.
Some things may impact your recovery:
The size of your implants: The larger your implants, the more pain you will have after your surgery. Lighter-weight implants are generally associated with less pain. The position of your implants: Implants placed underneath the pectoral (chest) muscles tend to hurt more post-surgery. This increased pain is because the tissue is experiencing more trauma. The less the tissues are traumatized, and the less bleeding there is, the better your post-op pain level. You’ve previously given birth: Some surgeons report that people who have given birth tend to have less pain.
Second Month
After about a month, most people will experience a full recovery. At this time, with your doctor’s approval, you will likely be able to resume your everyday activities without restrictions.
Your breasts will also have a more natural appearance and feel. You will likely have an appointment with your surgeon to assess your recovery.
Complications
As with any surgery, breast augmentation may result in complications. These may include:
Excessive scarringHard breastsRuptured or folded implantNerve damageInability to breastfeed
Recovery Tips
Most likely, your surgeon will prescribe medication to help you manage your pain. If you are not getting adequate relief from the prescribed medication, it may indicate that you need to see your surgeon.
Redness Warmth Chest pain Dizziness Excessive tiredness Fever Chills Headache Nausea or vomiting
Here are some post-surgery tips for staying comfortable:
Rest when you feel tired. Avoid lifting or straining for two to three weeks. If your stomach is upset, eat bland foods. Stay hydrated. Take all prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications according to your doctor’s instructions. Ask your doctor if mild exercise, like walking, is OK. Ask your doctor before doing stretching exercises (they may suggest some for you to do). Ice your breasts for 10-20 minutes every couple of hours for the first few days. Support your breasts with a surgical bra or bandage.
According to a scientific review, people who had their implants placed underneath the chest wall and then received Botox injections during or after the surgery experienced less pain. However, the review only looked at seven studies, and the authors state that the assessment of outcomes for this practice is inconsistent and needs more study.
Summary
Most people manage pain after breast augmentation surgery with medication, rest, and activity restriction. Usually, people fully recover after about a month, but it could take a little longer.
As with any surgery, breast augmentation holds certain risks. Complications may include nerve damage, scarring, infection, and blood clots. You should contact your doctor right away if you notice any warning signs of infection or bleeding. You can stay comfortable by taking your medication as prescribed, getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, icing, and supporting your breasts.
