Is Bilateral Breast Tenderness Normal 6 Weeks After Miradry?

Question

I had the 2nd part of my Miradry procedure the second week of October and the setting was on level 4 because I did not have much improvement after the 1st treatment. My breasts swelled up 2 cup sizes and have been very tender. The swelling has diminished but is still present. The tenderness has increased especially at the base of my breasts extending to the axilla area. I've been taking Ibuprofen and Vicodin with little improvement. I'm a small woman- around 100 pounds, 5'3. Is this normal?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast swelling after MiradryCheck with your PS but the local trauma from injection and treatment can result in some temporarry swelling

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. miraDry is an excellent treatment for hyperhidrosis, however it does heat the underlying structures and can cause some transient effects.  As you are thin, It may be that your lymph nodes or lymphatics to your breast may have been injured and limiting the flow from the breast to the armpits.  I typically modify the procedure for higher energy levels to limit the amount of heating to the surrounding tissues to minimize the chance of this happening.  I would recommend a few sessions of lymphatic massage and a sports bra to provide some external compression.  I would return to your surgeon if your symptoms persist.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The lymph nodes of the armpits are important drainage points for the breasts. I would consider SwellX tablets followed by gentle massage and you should see a quick resolution of the breast swelling. If symptoms do not subside, then you should contact your surgeon. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Having some breast swelling or discomfort after miradry is not uncommon if the armpit hair that was treated is very close-up.  But discuss your concerns with your physician.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

keep in mind that most of the answers posted to this particular question are being delivered by physicians to do not have a General surgery background which would include breast surgery.  What's missing in some of these answers is the fact that the axillary area or armpits of men and women can include breast tissue which has lymphatic and sensory connections with the breasts themselves.  It is unlikely that your breasts have actually been affected by the treatment but referred pain and regional swelling and tenderness is not beyond the realm of possibility.  Follow up closely with your doctor and if you want a second opinion I recommend a general plastic surgeon or a general surgeon who often operates on the breasts for either medical or cosmetic purposes.overall however I would say that this type of issue is rare and I have not heard of it in any one else's clinic nor have I seen this in my own.Chase Lay, MDDouble board-certified facial plastic surgeon

Is Bilateral Breast Tenderness Normal 6 Weeks After Miradry?

Answers (5)