Understanding Itchy Breasts After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances breast size and shape using silicone or saline breast implants. Over 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation in the U.S. every year. While most procedures go smoothly, some women experience uncomfortable side effects like itchy breasts during the recovery process.

What Causes Itchy Breasts After Breast Augmentation?

There are a few potential reasons why your breasts may feel irritated and itchy after breast implant surgery:

The incision site has not fully healed yet, causing irritation
Skin stretching to accommodate larger implants
An allergic reaction or sensitivity to tape, bandages or surgical glue
Nerve endings healing and regaining sensation

When Does Breast Itchiness After Augmentation Surgery Occur?

Breast itchiness typically arises during the initial healing phase in the first 1-2 weeks after your augmentation procedure. As your surgical incisions mend and skin adapts to the implants, sensations like itching, numbness, tingling and hypersensitivity are very common.

These nerve changes eventually resolve within a few weeks to months at most. Itching past the 6-week mark may indicate an infection or reaction to implants requiring medical care.

How To Prevent Itchy Breasts When Healing From Surgery

While some itching is normal, taking proactive steps to nurture skin healing can minimize discomfort:

Wear a supportive post-surgical bra round the clock
Use dressing changes as directed by your surgeon
Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
Avoid wearing constrictive tops or underwire bras
Apply recommended scar treatment gel as needed

How To Get Relief From Itchy Breasts After Breast Augmentation

If your breasts feel itchy and irritated during recovery:

Apply a cool compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth
Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream temporarily
Take antihistamines by mouth if approved by doctor
Wear loose, soft, breathable fabrics next to skin
Gently massage around incisions using vitamin E oil
Avoid scratching or rubbing the breast area

What To Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery & Healing

During breast augmentation recovery, you can expect:

Swelling and bruising around the breasts and incision sites
Tightness, burning sensation or hypersensitivity
Tingling, numbness or lack of sensation as nerves heal
Mild to moderate postoperative pain and discomfort
Fatigue and tiredness for the first week
Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity after 48 hours

Symptoms typically peak in intensity during the first week then slowly get better each day thereafter.

What Is Normal Vs Abnormal During Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Its important to monitor your symptoms and watch for any abnormal reactions. Contact your surgeon promptly if you experience:

Intense pain not relieved by medication
Sudden swelling or fluid buildup
Uncontrolled bleeding
Incisions that worsen or appear infected
Fever over 100F
Inflamed red skin rashes
Cold, numb or discolored skin

Report any unusual or worsening breast changes after surgery for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Caring For Breast Incisions, Scars & Implants After Augmentation

Proper aftercare of your incision sites and implants is vital to minimize scarring and achieve beautiful breast augmentation results over time. Be sure to:

Clean incisions daily with mild soap and water
Apply antibiotic ointment and gauze as directed
Follow guidelines for wearing post-surgery compression bra
Attend all follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon
Avoid sleeping on your stomach for 6 weeks
Wear supportive bra during exercise and physical activity

Over the next several months, massage scars and use silicone sheeting to promote healthy, supple and flat scarring around the breasts and cleavage area.

Can I Sleep On My Stomach After Breast Augmentation?

No, it is best not to sleep face down or on your stomach, especially in the first 6 weeks after surgery. Choose side sleeping instead to avoid putting pressure on healing breast tissue and implants.

When Can I Resume Working Out After Breast Augmentation?

Tentatively plan to take off 2 weeks from the gym or vigorous activity post-op. After your 2-week visit, your doctor will assess if you are ready to restart light cardio or strength training using smaller weights with higher repetition.

Avoid aggressive pec workouts, overhead moves and prone positions placing stress on the chest for 6 weeks if possible.

Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Leave Visible Scars?

Breast enhancement is performed through small cuts hidden within the breast crease or armpit region. When closed with precision techniques, augmentation scars fade substantially over 3-6 months.

Using steroid injections and silicone sheeting further minimizes the appearance of scarring around surgically enlarged breasts.

What If Breast Itching Persists For Months After Augmentation?

While it's normal to experience some prickling, tingling and lack of sensation after breast surgery, ongoing symptoms like chronic itchiness, pain or burning are not.

Make an appointment with your plastic surgeon right away if breast irritation lasts longer than 6 weeks post-op to determine possible reasons like:

Capsular contracture tightening around implant
Infection requiring antibiotic treatment
Allergic reaction or rejection of breast implants
An implant leak or silent rupture
NERD neuralgia (damaged nerve fibers)
Poor implant placement or surgical technique

Left untreated, these complications can worsen and cause permanent breast deformities over time. Thankfully treatments are available if caught early.

What Is Capsular Contracture After Breast Augmentation?

Scar tissue around the implant tightens internally, making breasts feel firm and painful. Mild cases resolve with massage, rest and anti-inflammatory meds. Severe contracture necessitates corrective surgery to cut or replace the capsules constricting implants.

Can Breast Implants Be Removed If Causing Discomfort?

Absolutely - breast explant surgery removes unwanted implants if you develop complications like chronic pain, infection, necrosis, deflation/leakage or simply wish to restore natural breast shape.

During explantation, the surgeon also eliminates any capsule scar tissue compressing the implant before allowing skin to retract into a smaller size.

Preparing For Breast Augmentation: Top Tips

Planning ahead helps you recover faster and enjoy beautiful outcomes from breast enlargement surgery. Useful tips before your breast augmentation include:

Getting medical clearance for surgery
Discontinuing meds that prolong bleeding
Arranging a ride home day-of procedure
Having soft foods ready for the first few days
Setting up your recovery nest near the bathroom
Allowing 2+ weeks away from job obligations

Structuring daily help, scar care supplies and post-surgical bras/tops in advance enables smoother healing.

Should I Massage Breasts After Breast Augmentation?

Yes, gentle circular motions around the breasts and underarm region encourages healthy circulation, speeds sensation return and prevents painful capsular contracture.

Begin massage no sooner than 2 weeks post-op using vitamin E or favored scar oil unless otherwise recommended by your surgeon.

When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After Breast Augmentation?

You must avoid sexual activity, foreplay, nipple stimulation and anything causing breast bounce or trauma for a full 6 weeks after surgery.

Breasts require delicate handling while stabilizing implants, mending incisions and regaining sensation. Early jostling risks complications.

Takeaways On Itchy Breasts After Breast Augmentation

Itching and irritation are common during the 2 week healing phase
Ensure bandages, surgical glue and bras are not causing skin reactions
Use ice, OTC hydrocortisone and other comfort measures temporarily
Call your plastic surgeon if symptoms persist longer than 6 weeks
Follow all post-operative guidelines to prevent complications

While itchy breasts can be annoying after breast enlargement, rest assured the discomfort dissipates quickly. Proper aftercare protects your results.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.