How Painful Is Breast Augmentation Under the Muscle?

Breast augmentation under the muscle is a common choice for those wanting bigger breasts. But, many worry about the pain it might cause. This method places implants under the chest muscle, which can be a concern.

It’s true that some pain is expected after surgery. But, how much pain you feel can really vary. It can range from a little soreness to more serious pain. We’ll look into how to manage pain and what to expect during recovery for those getting implants under the muscle.

Key Takeaways

• Breast augmentation recovery typically takes six to eight weeks for most women.
• Over-the-muscle placements may lessen post-operative pain compared to those beneath the muscle.
• Most patients report significant pain improvement after four weeks following surgery.
• The size of the implants impacts both discomfort levels and recovery time.
• Individual recovery experiences can differ based on tailored treatment plans.

Understanding Pain after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Pain after breast augmentation surgery can differ for each person. It depends on the sources of pain and the sensations during recovery. The incision for implant placement is a common cause of discomfort. This soreness usually goes away in a few days.

Breast augmentation under the muscle (submuscular placement) is generally more painful than over-the-muscle (subglandular) placement. The pain is primarily due to muscle stretching, which many patients describe as a cramping sensation. This discomfort is typically more intense during the first 3-5 days after surgery.

Pain Characteristics

• Most patients experience moderate achiness or tenderness in the hours following surgery.
• The peak discomfort occurs 3-5 days post-surgery as the healing process begins.
• Many women compare the feeling to premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
• Patients often describe it as feeling like they “worked out too hard yesterday”.

Pain Duration

• The most significant discomfort usually subsides within 7 days.
• Most pain should be gone one month after surgery.
• Some patients may experience shooting sensations for a few months, but these become less intense over time.

Factors Affecting Pain

1. Implant size: Larger implants tend to cause more discomfort.
2. Muscle stretching: Submuscular placement requires stretching the pectoralis muscle, leading to more soreness.
3. Individual pain tolerance: This varies from person to person.

Pain Management

• Over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol are often sufficient to manage discomfort.
• Muscle relaxants such as Valium may help with cramping pain.
• Following post-operative instructions carefully can help minimize discomfort.

 

Despite the increased pain compared to over-the-muscle placement, many surgeons recommend submuscular placement due to advantages such as a more natural appearance, stronger implant support, and more accurate mammograms.

Comparing Implant Placement Techniques

Submuscular and subglandular placements have different effects on how you feel after surgery. Here’s a quick comparison:

Placement Technique	Recovery Time	Pain Level	Risk of Complications
Submuscular Placement	6 to 8 weeks	Higher discomfort	Lower risk of capsular contracture
Subglandular Placement	1 to 2 weeks	Lower discomfort	Higher risk of capsular contracture and dynamic distortion

Conclusion

Breast augmentation under the muscle offers benefits like a natural appearance and improved implant support, but it typically involves more post-surgery discomfort than over-the-muscle placement. Pain levels vary depending on factors like implant size, muscle stretching, and individual tolerance.

The most intense pain typically occurs during the first week, with significant relief often experienced by the fourth week. Adhering to your surgeon’s recommendations, using prescribed pain management methods, and being mindful of your individual recovery process can help ensure a smoother healing journey. 

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