How Painful Is Breast Augmentation?

Many patients wonder how painful breast augmentation is. At our Marina del Rey plastic surgery practice, world-renowned breast augmentation specialist Dr. David Stoker is dedicated to minimizing discomfort and ensuring a smooth recovery. His advanced rapid recovery technique and pain management protocols make the process as comfortable as possible. Learn more about his innovative approach below.

Is Breast Augmentation Painful?

You will be comfortably asleep during your procedure, thanks to Dr. Stoker’s handpicked selection of effective, long-lasting anesthetics and board-certified anesthesiologists. Postoperative pain levels vary based on your incision location, recovery protocols, and individual tolerance.

While everyone experiences discomfort differently, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can greatly minimize post-surgical pain with the right approach. Dr. Stoker’s comprehensive protocols address each stage of the recovery process to help you feel your best as quickly as possible.

The Stoker Plastic Surgery Approach to Pain Management

Dr. Stoker’s signature rapid recovery breast augmentation method is designed to optimize comfort through:

• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols: ERAS protocols combine pre-op preparation, surgical technique, and customized medication to support a smoother and quicker recovery.
• Precision Surgical Techniques: Dr. Stoker’s minimally invasive methods, including using the Keller Funnel®, reduce tissue trauma, minimize complication risks, and decrease inflammation and soreness.
• Customized Pain Management: Each patient receives a tailored pain management plan to optimize their comfort and reduce downtime.

Dr. Stoker’s patients can return to their daily routines faster and with less discomfort than expected—especially when compared to “standard” breast augmentation recovery timelines.

What To Expect After Your Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

While each recovery journey is unique, here is a general guide to help you understand what to expect:

• Day After Surgery: Some soreness and tightness are common for the first few days, but you can manage these aftereffects with a personalized pain control plan. This plan may include prescription pain medication, injections of Exparel® during surgery, or over-the-counter pain relievers.
• 24 to 48 hours: Most patients feel comfortable enough to resume light activities, including going back to work.
• 2 to 4 Weeks: Residual soreness fades as you regain full mobility and your activity restrictions lift.

Dr. Stoker and his skilled, knowledgeable team will ensure you are well prepared for what to expect so you can feel confident at every step of your surgical journey.

Additional Tips for a Comfortable Recovery

In addition to his advanced recovery protocols, Dr. Stoker offers practical advice for supporting a comfortable breast augmentation recovery, such as:

• Rest and Hydration: Drinking plenty of water, respecting your body’s limits, and allowing yourself time to rest are all crucial to optimal healing.
• Light Movement: Gentle activities like walking promote circulation and reduce stiffness. We recommend starting the day of your surgery and gradually building up the frequency and duration of your walks each day.
• Lean on Your Support System: Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure and appointments, get help around the house and with childcare, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Giving yourself permission to rest and return to activities at the appropriate times prevents avoidable setbacks in your recovery.
• Set Up a Recovery Nest: Pick up your prescriptions in advance and have them and any other helpful items (ice packs, phone charger, snacks, water bottles, etc.) handy in a comfortable ‘hub’ for your at-home recovery.

Dr. Stoker will be monitoring your recovery through follow-up appointments and personal check-ins. If you have any questions or concerns at any point in the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Still Have Questions?

Dive deeper into this topic by reading our related blog posts:

• How Long Does the Pain Last After a Breast Augmentation? Your Top Recovery Questions, Answered – Find answers to your top breast augmentation recovery questions, including pain management and when you can resume your normal activities.
• What Is the Least Painful Boob Job? – Learn how to support a comfortable, smooth healing process after breast augmentation, from surgical options to recovery protocols.

Want to discover Dr. Stoker’s rapid recovery technique for yourself? Please get in touch by requesting a consultation online or calling us at (310) 300-1779 to schedule your visit.