It is very common for breast implant surgery patients to experience some pain immediately following their procedures. Understanding whether that pain is normal or abnormal is very important for ensuring a quick, safe, and healthy road to recovery. We broke down the most common causes of breast implant pain below so that you can better understand what you are feeling. With this information, you will be better equipped to handle any issues that may arise post-procedure. Most importantly, if you are experiencing any pain that seems beyond the scope of regular irritation or incision pain, consult with your doctor immediately. If your breast implant pain intensifies or returns after recovery, make an appointment with your doctor. In addition, if years passed since your surgery and you suddenly experience pain again, reach out to your doctor to find the source of your pain.
What to expect after breast implant surgery
Every woman’s body is unique and different from the rest, which means there is no exact timeline or specific expectation for recovery. However, most surgeons agree that full recovery from breast implant surgery takes six to eight weeks.
Immediately after your procedure, you will recover from the anesthesia feeling a little sore and groggy. You will be able to go home to recover that day. The first three to seven days after breast implant surgery are typically the most uncomfortable. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, and your surgeon may even recommend receiving a pain injection or pain pump to ease discomfort for those first 72 hours. After the first week, most women can manage postoperative discomfort with over-the-counter medication.
Causes of breast implant pain
After your procedure, you will experience some pain from your breast implants. You might wonder if the pain you are experiencing is normal or if a complication is causing it. We outlined some of the most common causes of breast implant pain below. In any case, if you experience pain beyond what your doctor explained to be normal, you should contact your medical team immediately.
Common causes of breast implant pain include the following.
Incision pain
Breast implant surgery is minimally invasive, but your plastic surgeon still needs to make an incision to insert the implants. After your procedure, the incision site will be sore. As mentioned above, after the first wee, over-the-counter medication can provide relief. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medication to help with your recovery. Visit your doctor if the incision site pain is unusually severe, lasts more than a few weeks or if you see signs of infection.
Irritation
In addition to pain and/or soreness at the incision site, it may also feel irritated and itchy. As the skin goes through the healing process, this is normal. If you don’t see any signs of infection, such as swelling or pus, you don’t have anything to worry about. However, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you feel like the incision has an unusual amount of irritation.
Capsular contracture
If your breast implant pain is due to an increased hardness in one or both of your breasts, you may have capsular contracture. Some women experience this condition post-surgery. It is a condition caused by the breast tissue tightening around the new implant and it can happen at any point after your surgery. Let your surgeon know as soon as you notice this change, so he can take the necessary steps to reduce your pain.
Enlarged lymph nodes
The lymph nodes in your armpits may swell or feel painful after your procedure. This could be caused by an infection at the incision site or within your breast tissue. It is also possible that the lymph node was damaged during the breast implant procedure. This damage would cause it to grow in size as it heals. Consulting with your surgeon is the best way to rule out any serious problems and get back on track with your recovery.
Hematoma
Tenderness, swelling, and a bruise-like appearance of the area near your incision spot are classic hematoma symptoms. The blood from the incision site can pool and clot in nearby tissues. This usually causes a small lump to form. Your doctor should check on any unusual lumps in your breasts following the surgery because they may indicate a more serious condition. That said, many hematomas disappear after some time without any treatment. If your doctor is concerned about the size, severity, or longevity of the hematoma, he can either drain the blood or surgically remove it.
Seroma
Serum, a liquid caused by the procedure, may gather near the incision. Too much of it will create a lump referred to as a seroma. When you touch the bump, you may feel burning or general breast implant pain. Pay close attention to your healing wound when you suspect that liquid is collecting within the breast tissue. Clear serum should leak out of the incision. Your surgeon will drain the seroma to eliminate pain.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
A sudden fever, seizures, and rashes are several symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome. TSS is a bacterial infection that needs your doctor’s attention immediately. It is a serious complication that can be fatal without treatment. You may receive an antibiotic course to fight the bacteria, but surgery might be necessary. Most likely, you will need to stay in the hospital for ongoing monitoring and support until the infection clears up.
Rupture
Burning sensations, pain, or changes in breast appearance are signs that your implant ruptured. Pain is most commonly associated symptom of rupture with silicone implants. However, if you have saline implants, look out for while sudden size changes which are more prevalent. You may have this problem immediately following your procedure or years down the road. A mammogram can create tears or holes in the outer material causing rupture or in some cases, an implant is old and simply fails over time.
Necrosis
Tissue can die if it doesn’t get enough oxygen. During surgery, the blood supply bringing oxygen to the tissues may be altered or damaged. Symptoms of this condition are changes in skin color, showing a spectrum of blue, purple, and finally black. At this point, the wound starts to reopen. Go to your doctor as quickly as possible to limit both damage and health risks. Please note that smoking during recovery increases the chances of necrosis. This is because you already have less oxygen moving through your bloodstream.
Wound Dehiscence
An infected incision may increase the rate at which dissolvable sutures break down. If they disappear before the incision is fully healed, the two sides of the wound will pull apart. Known as wound dehiscence, this condition can also be caused by lifting heavy things or doing strenuous activity too soon after your surgery. You need to get to a doctor right away to treat this wound and avoid additional complications.
Learn more at Berlet Plastic Surgery
Dr. Anthony Berlet believes that plastic surgery patients should feel as comfortable as possible before undergoing any procedure. For over 20 years, he helped patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas achieve their body goals. Breast implant surgery can help women improve their self-esteem and strengthen their self of sense. Along with his team of caring medical professionals, Dr. Berlet makes sure patients see the best outcomes possible from their procedures. To learn more about breast implant surgery or if you have any questions, please reach out to us today!