How to Know When to Ask for Pain Medications After Breast Implant Surgery

Breast implant surgery is painful, but the level of pain is going to differ from woman to woman. Some women will feel pain that they refer to as an ache, and others will say that it is comparable to having a c-section. Your doctor will prescribe you pain medication, but sometimes you may need stronger medication depending on your situation. Below is a list to help you know when to ask for pain medications after breast implant surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Follow the directions for the pain medication that your doctor prescribed you. Your doctor will prescribe you medication that is generally able to control the pain of the other women that he has performed the breast implant surgery on.
2. Talk to your pharmacist about any medications you’ve been prescribed. Your pharmacist will know what kind of medicine it is and can tell you how to take it correctly.
3. Try doing other activities to see if you can relieve the pain or take your mind off of the pain. Your activities will be limited, but there will be things that you will be able to do, such as watching movies or doing simple craft projects. You will want to take it easy and be sure not to exert yourself, but you could try reading a book or going for a short walk.
4. Apply a heating pad or other warm compress to the source of your pain. Heat will help to relieve the pain and should make you more comfortable. Just make sure not to leave the heating pad on for too long, and use it on the lowest setting.
5. Notice if your pain is uncontrollable. If your medication is not helping the pain, and the pain is unbearable, contact your doctor and see if he can prescribe a stronger form of pain medication for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try to go without pain medication. Surgery is painful, and you will experience pain as your muscles stretch over the breast implant. Take your medication as prescribed.
• Do not hesitate to call the doctor if you feel that you need stronger or different pain medication. He wants you to be comfortable and not in pain.
• Be sure not to exert yourself. Exerting yourself could cause further injury to the implant site and delay your recovery process. This will also cause you to experience more pain.
• Many prescription pain medications are addictive. Be careful when taking them.