Is Breast Augmentation Painful?

As much as we may want to achieve a certain goal, the vast majority of people want to reach their desired outcome without pain if at all possible. In our Miami plastic surgery office, we tend to see a little more of a “no pain, no gain” mindset due to the high level of physical fitness most of our patients strive to achieve. That said, we still often get asked about the pain associated with procedures like breast augmentation. The more thoughtfully we can answer questions like these, the more peace of mind our patients can have going into their surgery. Here, we discuss what you might expect if you decide to undergo breast augmentation with us.

What to Expect with Breast Augmentation

It isn’t as easy to answer the question of whether breast augmentation hurts as it may seem. The question deserves more than a simple “yes” or “no.” The surgery itself does not hurt because it is done under general anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, the brain does not interpret signals from the body so does not register pain. That said, it does not minimize the inherent tissue trauma that is involved in any surgery, so patients can also expect to sense some degree of pain after their procedure.

What About Post-Operative Pain?

Breast augmentation surgery involves incisions and the movement of connective tissue, breast tissue, and muscle to properly situate the selected implants. The movement of these tissues is traumatic to them, so the body engages in an inflammatory response afterward. We actually want the inflammatory response because the discomfort that it causes stimulates the pituitary gland to make endorphins. These chemicals are natural painkillers that promote healing. Fortunately, the patient need not rely solely on endorphins for comfort. For a few days, they take prescription pain medication at regular intervals to stay ahead of post-operative pain. This is usually needed only for a week or so, after which over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen can reduce discomfort. Patients are encouraged to walk after surgery to prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs. Interestingly, walking also stimulates the production of endorphins, further complementing the medicine the patient takes as needed.

Breast augmentation doesn’t have to be painful. The mild to moderate soreness and tenderness that occurs are well worth an outstanding cosmetic outcome. To learn more, schedule a visit to our Miami office at 305.279.4700.