Nipple discomfort after breast augmentation surgery is quite common. Any time you undergo surgery, pain is a natural result.
Fortunately, you will be given pain medication when needed to alleviate your discomfort. Moreover, it’s important to remember that this pain should be short-lived in most cases.
After a few days, you should notice general pain and discomfort begin to dissipate. Within a few weeks, it should lessen even more. And you should begin to regain normal sensation in your nipples and the surrounding breast tissue as the months continue.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation Las Vegas begins with the administration of anesthesia. For breast implant surgery, either local anesthesia with IV sedation may be used or general anesthesia. It depends on the type of surgery, the patient’s comfort, and the input of your surgeon.
A series of incisions are then made in the proper places. There are three main areas where incisions can be made for breast augmentation surgery: the breast crease (inframammary fold), the outer edge of the areolae, or the underarms.
It is through these incisions that your implants will be placed. Most implant incisions are actually quite small, but they must accommodate the size of the implants. Therefore, larger implants may require larger incisions. Furthermore, silicone gel implants usually require larger incisions because they cannot be filled post-insertion as saline implants often can be.
Your surgeon will then insert your chosen implants and adjust the breast tissue to properly fit them. Finally, your incisions will be carefully closed, and you will be taken to recovery.
What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery
For most patients, breast augmentation recovery typically involves some discomfort and pain, which can be managed with prescription pain medications and rest. Some of this pain may be localized around the nipple area.
Swelling and bruising will also be symptoms. Other symptoms may include a burning sensation, itchiness, a feeling of tightness, and tenderness.
Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Augmentation
Nipple sensation or sensitivity after breast augmentation may change after your surgery due to the nerve endings being traumatized. In fact, this is common. You may notice feelings of numbness, itchiness, or tenderness around the nipples , specifically.
Shooting pain may also occur, especially when the implant incisions were made around the areolae as opposed to in the armpit or beneath the breast. This and any numbness or other symptoms should resolve after around six weeks, but in some patients, it may persist longer.
Sharp Pain in Nipple After Breast Augmentation
In some cases, sharp pain after breast augmentation may occur. This is often accompanied by decreased nipple sensitivity, which can cause some confusing sensations. These symptoms are usually caused by trauma to nerve endings and changes in postoperative swelling. They tend to be at their worst over the first few weeks following surgery.
Some patients find these changes alarming, and this is certainly understandable. But in most cases, these “zingers” are perfectly normal. Of course, if you have any concerns, we invite you to contact your surgeon to ensure all is well.
It’s important to remember that the breasts endure trauma as a result of any type of breast surgery. It makes sense that there will be some nipple sensitivity when an incision is made around the areolae. And when breast implants are inserted, this disrupts the breast tissue and can cause especially significant shooting pains when the implants are placed behind the chest muscle (because the muscle must stretch to accommodate the implants).
All of these sensations should slowly begin to go away as your incisions heal. If they do not go away or worsen, contact your surgeon immediately to ensure the healing process is going well.
Post-Surgery Massage
Following many types of cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons may recommend self-massage. Massage can help to reduce the buildup of breast augmentation scar tissue, which can turn hard, uncomfortable, and even painful over time. It can also minimize swelling.
If you are interested in self massage after breast augmentation surgery, it is important to first get the go-ahead from your plastic surgeon. Then, make sure you wait until your incisions are fully healed before beginning massage. Finally, make sure that you know the proper massage techniques to use in order to achieve your desired results.
FAQ: Breast Augmentation Recovery Process
Can implants cause sharp pain in nipple after breast augmentation?
Yes, undergoing breast augmentation surgery may cause pain and changes in sensation in and around the nipples. This is most noticeable when patients have their breast augmentation incisions around the areolae as opposed to beneath the breasts in the breast crease or in the armpit area.
What if I have nipple nerve pain 1 year after breast augmentation?
In some cases, changes in nipple sensation may still be present a year out from surgery. Typically, nipples either lose sensation (numbness) or become more sensitive.
If you still have nipple nerve pain months after breast augmentation, again, this issue will usually resolve by the one-year mark. However, if you still have pain at the one-year mark, talk to your surgeon about your breast augmentation options.
Will I experience pain after a breast augmentation with a lift?
Pain after a breast augmentation with lift is common and varies among individuals. It typically subsides over time with proper pain management and healing. Your surgeon will provide medication and instructions to help manage discomfort during the recovery process.
How long does nipple pain last after breast augmentation?
Most patients experience some degree of nipple pain or sensitivity in the first few weeks after surgery. This discomfort generally improves within a few months as nerves heal and adjust. Full sensation may take up to a year to return to normal.
Why do my nipples feel hypersensitive after breast augmentation?
Nipple hypersensitivity is a common side effect of breast augmentation as nerves regenerate and heal. This heightened sensitivity usually decreases within a few months, but it can take up to a year for some patients.
Can I do anything to reduce nipple pain or sensitivity?
Yes, wearing a supportive bra, avoiding direct pressure on the nipples, and using desensitization techniques (such as gentle massage or gradual exposure to touch) may help ease discomfort. Your surgeon may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Is permanent nipple pain a risk after breast augmentation?
While most changes in nipple sensation are temporary, a small percentage of patients may experience long-term sensitivity issues. If pain persists beyond one year, consult your surgeon to determine the best course of action.
Can nerve damage cause long-term nipple pain?
Nerve damage is a rare but possible side effect of breast augmentation. If nerves are stretched, compressed, or severed during surgery, some patients may experience prolonged discomfort or numbness. Most nerve-related issues improve over time, but persistent pain may require medical evaluation.
Does nipple pain mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate nipple pain is expected during the healing process. However, if the pain is severe, worsens over time, or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or discharge, it could indicate an infection or other complication. Contact your surgeon if you experience these symptoms.
Will my nipple sensation return to normal?
For most patients, nipple sensation gradually returns to normal over time. Some may notice permanent changes, such as slight numbness or increased sensitivity. The extent of sensation recovery depends on factors like surgical technique, nerve involvement, and individual healing response.
Can breastfeeding affect nipple pain after breast augmentation?
If you plan to breastfeed after breast augmentation, you may experience temporary nipple pain due to increased sensitivity. Most women can breastfeed successfully, but some may have reduced milk supply or difficulty with letdown if nerves or milk ducts were affected during surgery.
Do certain implant types or placements affect nipple pain?
Yes, implant placement and incision type can impact nipple sensation. Implants placed under the muscle (submuscular) may have a lower risk of affecting nipple sensation compared to those placed above the muscle (subglandular). Additionally, periareolar incisions (around the nipple) are more likely to impact nerve function than inframammary (under the breast) or transaxillary (armpit) incisions.
Can cold weather make nipple pain worse after breast augmentation?
Yes, some patients report increased nipple sensitivity or discomfort in colder temperatures. This is due to nerve hypersensitivity and changes in circulation. Wearing warm clothing and avoiding direct cold exposure can help minimize discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation Today
As long as you choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, it is extremely rare for complications to occur following breast augmentation. If your breasts feel swollen, numb, or painful throughout the first few months, know that these are all normal symptoms during the recovery period.
If you notice other issues such as a fever, severe pain or pain that is not touched by pain medications, or consistently uneven swelling, contact your doctor to ensure that you are healing properly.
You can find out more about breast augmentation by giving our office a call and scheduling a consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason. We look forward to hearing from you!