The amount of pain you experience is somewhat subjective, but the majority of women have mild to modest discomfort. Long-lasting local anesthetic is injected into the breast pocket at the time of surgery which provides extended relief during the period of most pain, which is the first evening. You are provided with prescriptions for narcotics to provide relief during the first several days after your operation. Beginning ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, Motrin) the evening of surgery usually allows discontinuation of the narcotics by the second day. I have performed hundreds of breast augmentations both with and without pain catheters left in at the time of surgery, and it is my opinion that the difference in pain levels is minimal. If you prefer the use of pain catheters it can be arranged. We also provide mild sedatives which I encourage you to take the night before surgery to ease any anxiety that you might be experiencing. The key to excellent control of pain and anxiety is never allowing it to become significant in the first place!