Both of my incisions (under the breast) are painful 3 days post op. Is this normal?

When I am laying down or sitting up the pain is minimal or none. However, when I stand up and the breast has a chance to move the incisions burn very badly. It brings me to tears. Walking hurts quite a bit. They don’t look infected and aren’t red or hot. No oozing or anything. I wonder if it’s the bra pressing on it and making it hurt. I'm just wondering if this seems normal. I plan to call my PS Monday if it’s still bad.

Answers from doctors (3)


More About Doctor Michelle Roughton, MD

Published on Dec 30, 2019

It could be the bra. Ok to try going into a different soft bra/sports bra. It is normal to have post-op pain at day 3. Pain described as burning is usually related to nerve irritation. It will get better. Good luck!

Answered by Michelle Roughton, MD (View Profile)

It could be the bra. Ok to try going into a different soft bra/sports bra. It is normal to have post-op pain at day 3. Pain described as burning is usually related to nerve irritation. It will get better. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


John Diaz, MD, FACS

Published on Jun 12, 2018

It is completely normal for you to feel tenderness at your incisions, especially only 3 days post op. If there is friction on the incision with the bra, you may want to pad the area to reduce the discomfort. As long as there is no redness, bleeding, or drainage it sounds normal. Definitely check in with your surgeon just to verify that you are healing properly.

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Answered by John Diaz, MD, FACS

It is completely normal for you to feel tenderness at your incisions, especially only 3 days post op. If there is friction on the incision with the bra, you may want to pad the area to reduce the discomfort. As long as there is no redness, bleeding, or drainage it sounds normal. Definitely check in with your surgeon just to verify that you are healing properly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


While recovery will vary from patient to patient and procedure to procedure, it is not uncommon to have some measure of discomfort 3 days post op (especially at incision sites). As long as there is no evidence of infection/healing issues (redness, drainage, warmth, swelling), it is likely nothing to concern yourself with.

That being said, movement can be painful, thus the importance of support garments. I will typically avoid underwires in the peri-operative period to avoid pressure related issues.

As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

While recovery will vary from patient to patient and procedure to procedure, it is not uncommon to have some measure of discomfort 3 days post op (especially at incision sites). As long as there is no evidence of infection/healing issues (redness, drainage, warmth, swelling), it is likely nothing to concern yourself with.

That being said, movement can be painful, thus the importance of support garments. I will typically avoid underwires in the peri-operative period to avoid pressure related issues.

As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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