How long does the pain last after breast augmentation? It’s normal to feel some pain in the first one to two weeks after having breast augmentation surgery. The pain will be most severe in the first few days and should gradually subside.
It’s normal to feel some pain in the first one to two weeks after having breast augmentation surgery. The pain will be most severe in the first few days and should gradually subside.
After six weeks, any pain or unusual sensations should have gone, although it’s fairly common for patients to experience shooting pains up to six months or more after surgery.
Some people also experience nerve pain, which can cause tingling, shooting pains, numbness or itching, particularly where the incision was made.
It can take over a year (or longer) for these sensations to disappear. This is because the nerves are often stretched during and after surgery and can take a long time to return to normal.
Breast Augmentation Pain and Swelling: What’s Normal and How to Reduce It
Experiencing pain and swollen breasts after augmentation surgery is normal. Swelling is the body’s way of helping to heal tissue damage and protect the area. For most women, nipple pain associated with breast implants resolves within about six to eight weeks, at which time the majority of their postoperative swelling should also subside. In some cases, the process can take longer. It is rare for nipple pain to be long-lasting or permanent after a breast augmentation.
Breast implants have been studied extensively and are widely considered safe. That said, it’s possible to run into issues after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. Symptoms such as breast tightness, changes in breast volume, and visible rippling may indicate something is wrong.
After swelling subsides, your breasts will begin to feel more like a natural part of your body. If your implants were placed under the muscle, they may take a few months to feel normal as they “drop and fluff.” Until then, they may feel unnaturally high on your chest and you may experience a sensation of tightness.
On this page you’ll find out more about:
- Breast augmentation and swelling
- Breast augmentation and pain
Swelling after breast augmentation: what’s normal
How much swelling is normal after breast augmentation?
Your breasts will feel tight after surgery and swelling will peak around three to four days later. However, you may experience some swelling for up to three months after surgery and it can take up to six months for the implants to fully settle in place.
You can expect to have more swelling if:
- you’ve had implants under your chest muscle, as this involves making an incision in the chest muscle, as well as the breast tissue and skin, so there’s more tissue that needs to heal
- you have large implants—this could mean the breast and muscle tissue has been stretched
- you smoke—smoking can slow down the healing process
- you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes
You can find out more about how to reduce the risks of surgery here.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
After undergoing surgery, it is common for patients to experience swelling as part of the body’s natural healing process. Most patients will notice that the swelling begins to subside around three weeks post-surgery. However, it is important to note that some degree of swelling may persist for up to three months as the body continues to heal and recover.
During the initial stages of recovery, patients may notice significant swelling in the surgical area. This swelling is a normal response to trauma and inflammation caused by the surgical procedure. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to help manage and reduce swelling effectively.
Factors that Influence Swelling
Several factors can influence the amount and duration of swelling experienced by patients after surgery. These factors include:
- The type and extent of the surgical procedure performed
- Individual variations in healing and inflammation response
- Compliance with post-operative care instructions
It is essential for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in their swelling to their healthcare provider to ensure proper monitoring and management of their recovery progress.
Managing Swelling in Recovery
There are several strategies that patients can utilize to help manage and reduce swelling during their recovery period. These may include:
- Elevating the surgical area to reduce fluid accumulation
- Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the swollen area
- Using compression garments or wraps as recommended by the surgeon
- Engaging in light physical activity to promote circulation and reduce swelling
By following these recommendations and maintaining open communication with their healthcare provider, patients can help facilitate a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.In conclusion, swelling is a common and expected part of the healing process after surgery. While most patients will notice a decrease in swelling around three weeks post-surgery, it is normal for some degree of swelling to persist for up to three months. By following post-operative care instructions and utilizing strategies to manage swelling effectively, patients can support their body’s healing process and achieve optimal outcomes.
Is it normal to have uneven swelling after breast augmentation surgery?
Some people experience uneven swelling in the chest after augmentation surgery and this is completely normal as it’s most likely due to the breasts healing at different rates. This will usually resolve itself within a few weeks.
However, uneven swelling could be a sign of something more serious, such as blood or fluid gathering at the wound in one of the breasts. If you’re concerned or experience significantly more pain or swelling in one side of the chest than the other, speak to your surgeon as soon as possible.
How can I reduce abdominal swelling after breast augmentation surgery?
After your operation, gravity can make the swelling in your breast tissue move down to the abdomen.
You can help reduce swelling in your abdomen by:
- drinking plenty of water
- walking around as soon as you feel able to do so
- stopping or switching pain medication if your bloating is severe—narcotic painkillers can cause constipation, and it’s important you speak to your surgeon before making any changes to your pain medication
- speaking to your surgeon about taking stool softeners if constipation is causing your stomach to bloat
Abdominal swelling is completely normal and should resolve itself within a few days. However, it’s also normal to experience bloating for a little longer as the effects of medication and lack of movement can slow digestion and cause constipation.
How can I make swelling go down after surgery?
- Wear a supportive surgical bra as this gently compresses the breasts to reduce swelling
- Speak to your surgeon about taking arnica supplements as this herb can be applied to the skin to treat swelling and bruising.
- Being too active can actually aggravate the healing process, so only do gentle exercise for the first few weeks after your operation
- If the top of your breasts still seems swollen around three months after surgery, this could be the implants themselves. It can take six months or more for implants to fully settle in place.
Find out more about how to care for your breasts after surgery with our aftercare FAQs.
Breast augmentation and pain: what’s normal
Your chest will feel tight and sore after your breast augmentation. Your ribs may also feel sore below your breasts.
Your surgeon will help you manage the initial pain after your operation either by:
- injecting local anaesthetic into the affected area
- administering local anaesthetic via a pain pump—this slowly and continuously delivers pain medication to where the incision was made in your breasts
Your surgeon may also prescribe muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as narcotic pain medication.
After two to three days it’s likely you’ll be able to scale down your pain medication to over-the-counter painkillers, which you can take as and when required.
As well as the initial pain from surgery, it’s also common to feel the following in your breasts or nipples:
- Shooting pains
- Tingling pains
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
These sensations can last for six to 12 months after surgery. If you’re concerned about the type or amount of pain you’re experiencing at any point, speak to your surgeon.
Below is an overview of some of the types of pain you may experience and where and how soon after your operation you might feel it. You may experience this pain in either breast or both breasts.
incision pain 2 weeks after breast augmentation
HOW MUCH PAIN CAN I EXPECT AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Initial recovery from breast augmentation is relatively short, lasting three to five days for most women. During this time, swelling, tenderness, and even some pain can be expected, though there are several safe and effective ways to improve comfort while you are recovering.
Depending on factors unique to your body, ibuprofen may be sufficient for dealing with postoperative breast augmentation discomfort. If more pain relief is needed, we can offer prescription pain medications as appropriate. Most women are able to discontinue pain medications after the first few days.
You can help reduce discomfort by taking time to rest after your surgery. Carve out space at home where you can relax and plan on settling in for a bit. Outside of several short walks throughout the day to keep circulation flowing, it is best to minimize activities during your first week of recovery from breast augmentation. Find books, binge-worthy shows, and other relaxing ways to spend this time.
What is “Normal” Pain After Breast Augmentation?
Tenderness or soreness around the incisions is possible after breast augmentation. Remember to keep incisions dry and clean to help prevent infection and irritation during this time. If your incisions were placed around the nipple, some loss of nipple sensitivity is possible as well. This, like pain, generally resolves on its own over the course of several weeks.
Tightness in the chest is common following breast augmentation. Skin and tissue will need to adjust to the implant, which may result in some mild discomfort. As with pain around the incisions, this should resolve on its own as you continue to recover.
When to Contact Our Office
You will return to our office for follow-up visits after your breast augmentation procedure. During these visits, we can address any concerns or questions about your recovery to help improve your comfort. If you experience sudden, sharp, or lasting pain, please call our office right away for an evaluation. While rare, some breast augmentation complications can result in significant discomfort. The sooner these issues are addressed, the sooner comfort can be restored.
What Are Some Signs of Infection Following Breast Augmentation?
Infection after breast augmentation can result in serious pain and may even impact results. Signs of infection following breast implant placement include:
- Puss or discharge from incisions
- Substantial swelling
- Increased pain or tenderness
- Redness around incisions or throughout the breasts
- Fever
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact us right away. Infection can cause both physical and aesthetic complications and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.
How Long Does the Pain Last After Breast Augmentation?
Some pain and tenderness are common for two to three weeks following breast augmentation, particularly around the incisions. Again, following our postoperative instructions, including incision care, is a good way to guard against complications that can cause further discomfort.
Tightness typically subsides with swelling – which may take three to four weeks – and it may be six weeks before you are able to resume all of your normal activities. We will help you determine when to resume specific activities during your follow-up visits.