How Long Does Pain Last After Breast Augmentation?
It’s normal to experience pain after breast augmentation, and it can occur in different areas and last for varying lengths of time. Generally, there’s no cause for concern unless the pain is severe or persists for several weeks.
If your pain isn’t severe enough to warrant a visit to your breast surgeon, GP or A&E, review your pain type below to help you decide on the next steps.
How Long Does Pain Last After Breast Augmentation?
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you will feel an intense throbbing pain around your breasts and nipples, and potentially your armpits, back and shoulders.
In the first week after surgery, you may experience mild pain and discomfort, especially around your breasts and nipples. You might also feel achy or sore when raising your arms.
After four weeks, your pain and discomfort should significantly decrease or have subsided, allowing you to resume your daily activities independently. However, you may experience occasional shooting pains for up to six months.
There isn’t much you can do to fully alleviate the pain, but you can minimise discomfort by avoiding strenuous activities and seeking support with daily tasks. Rest at home, take short walks and do gentle stretches to loosen your muscles. If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, we can prescribe muscle relaxants or pain medication to help.
Types of Pain After Breast Augmentation:
Typically, the most intense pain will be felt around the breasts and nipples, with some discomfort extending to the arms. While pain in other areas is generally not a cause for concern, it’s important to be aware of it and consult with your surgeon if needed.
Arm Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, arm pain after augmentation is normal after breast augmentation. Muscle soreness usually lasts a few weeks, while nerve pain can persist for several months to a year. If pain persists beyond six months or worsens with swelling, redness or a fever, please let your surgeon know.
What does it feel like?
Muscle soreness can feel achy or tender, whereas nerve pain appears like tingling, shooting pains, numbness or itching.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
Arm movements and overexertion can increase pain, while certain positions may exacerbate discomfort.
Armpit Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, armpit pain after breast augmentation is normal and can occur due to various factors. It typically lasts a few weeks to a few months, depending on the cause. If pain is severe or persistent, you notice painful or swollen lymph nodes, or experience symptoms of BIA-ALCL, contact your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
- Enlarged lymph nodes may feel painful or like swollen lumps.
- Cording is a tender, cord-like sensation extending from the armpit.
- BIA-ALC may present with persistent swelling and discomfort.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
Typically, you will feel some pressure when moving, such as stretching.
Back Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, back pain after breast augmentation is normal, often lasting a few weeks to two months as the body adjusts. If the pain is severe, persistent or disrupts sleep and daily activities, contact your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Pain can range from dull and achy to sharp, often related to changes in posture or muscle tension.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Hunching or poor posture
- Strenuous activities or lifting
- Large or heavy implants
Chest Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, chest pain after breast augmentation is normal and improves over time. Pain is most intense during the first few days and usually subsides after the first five days. If pain is severe, persistent or sharp beyond the initial recovery period or you have excessive swelling, redness, discharge or feel engorged, please contact your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
You will feel minor discomfort, soreness or stabbing/shooting pains around the incision sites and implant areas. This lessens over time and may feel like residual soreness or pressure.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
Activities that involve lifting or straining can increase pain, including excessive movement.
Neck Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, neck pain after augmentation is normal and improves within the first week. It may last up to four weeks as the body heals. If pain persists beyond four weeks, is severe or affects daily activities significantly, consult your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
It can be achy, tense or sharp, often affecting the neck, upper back and shoulders.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Poor posture or hunching
- The extra weight of the chest
- Scar tissue pulling on shoulder blades
Rib Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, rib pain after breast augmentation is normal and is caused by the chest muscles stretching over the implant. It can last for up to six months but will gradually improve. If pain is severe, persistent or disrupts sleep, consult your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Pain and tightness in the chest and ribs, often accompanied by muscle spasms in the pectoral muscles.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Stretching or movement of the chest muscles
- Physical activity or pressure on the chest area
Sharp Pain in One Breast After Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, sharp pain in one breast after augmentation is normal and can be due to nerve regeneration, scar tissue or other factors. It may last up to a year. If sharp pain continues for more than six months, is severe or worsens, consult your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Sharp, shooting pains or tingling sensations. It can also feel sore or tender.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Physical activities or movements
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Larger breast size or uneven stretching
Shoulder Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, shoulder pain after augmentation is normal after breast augmentation and can last several weeks to a few months, depending on the cause. If pain is severe, persistent beyond a few months or significantly disrupts daily activities, consult your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Pain can be achy or sharp, often felt in the shoulder blade, back or upper shoulder area.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Hunching or poor posture
- Physical activity or movement of the arms
- Incorrect implant size or placement
- Scar tissue or capsular contracture
Side Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, side pain after breast augmentation is normal. Mild to moderate pain and tightness is normal due to tissue expansion. It can last up to two months as the breasts adjust. If pain is severe, persists, there’s more pain or swelling on one side, or you experience excessive swelling, redness or discharge from incision sites, please contact your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Pain typically feels like tightness or pressure in the chest area.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Strenuous activities
- Lifting hands over the head
- Sudden movements
Throbbing Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, throbbing pain after breast augmentation is normal, including sharp pains, tingling and aches, due to muscle, ligament and nerve disruption. This can last up to a year. If pain persists or worsens, or you notice significant swelling, bruising or signs of infection, please contact your surgeon.
What does it feel like?
Sharp pains, tingling, swelling, bruising, or chest or armpit pain or tightness.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
Physical activity or pressure on the chest.
Upper Abdomen Pain After Breast Augmentation
Is it normal? If so, how long for?
Yes, upper abdomen pain after breast augmentation is normal. Swelling and bloating usually subsides within a few weeks. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, signs of infection, blood clots or difficulty breathing, contact your surgeon immediately.
What does it feel like?
Swelling and bloating in the abdomen, with a feeling of fullness or discomfort.
Are there any specific triggers or activities that worsen the pain?
- Increased swelling in the abdomen and chest
- Constipation and bloating (reduced physical activity can aggravate bloating)
Resolve Your Breast Pain with Suffolk Breast Practice
If you are considering breast surgery or are experiencing breast pain after augmentation, Suffolk Breast Practice is your solution. We prioritise your comfort and safety throughout the entire process.
Our lead surgeon, Dr. Hussein Tuffaha, is highly recommended and has been recognised by:
- UK Cosmetic Surgery Register
- iWantGreatCare Certificate (2022/2023)
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Breast Surgery
- TopDoctors
Our expert team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. If you’re experiencing breast pain after augmentation or have concerns about your recovery, contact us today.
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