15 years post breast reduction - breast pain feels like skin tearing. What could cause this?

Question

I had a reduction 15 years ago with great results. I meant to have a revision to fix some minor skin flaps near my armpits but never did. I recently started having a pain in my left breast near my scar that feels like being snapped with a rubber band or skin tearing. There are no marks on the outside of the breast and it only hurts when the breast moves, not my arm. A compression bra is helping keep the pain at bay until I can see a dr. Any ideas what's going on here?

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Breast reduction 15 years ago with good healing, new onset of sharp, snapping or tearing pain near an old scar, no visible changes, and pain triggered by movement—there are a few possibilities that might explain what you’re feeling:
1. Scar Tissue (Adhesions or Nerve Entrapment)
Over time, scar tissue can thicken, harden, or contract. This may irritate or trap surrounding nerves, especially near incision lines. The "snapping" or "tearing" sensation could be:
•	A stretched nerve ending that’s being pulled or compressed.
•	Adhesions between skin and deeper tissues moving awkwardly with your breast motion.
2. Fat Necrosis or Oil Cyst
Though these are more common earlier after surgery, they can sometimes develop later or go unnoticed:
•	Fat necrosis can form firm, sometimes painful lumps.
•	Oil cysts may form and stretch surrounding tissue, especially with movement.
3. Delayed Onset Nerve Pain
Occasionally, sensory nerves affected during surgery can regenerate abnormally or become hypersensitive, even years later. This may produce:
•	Sharp, electric, or tearing-like sensations.
•	No external signs but consistent pain with motion.
4. Muscle or Connective Tissue Strain
Even though you say it’s not related to arm movement, underlying pectoral or fascia strain can refer pain to the breast area, especially near old surgical planes where tissues were altered.
5. Hormonal or Skin Changes
Skin thinning or connective tissue changes with age or hormonal shifts could make previously quiet scars more reactive or sensitive.
6. Other Less Common Possibilities
•	Small herniation of glandular or fatty tissue through a weak spot in the old surgical area
•	Subclinical infection or inflammation rare but not impossible
•	Recurrent cyst or benign growth 
When to See a Doctor
You're doing the right thing by planning to see a provider. You should definitely go sooner if:
•	The pain worsens or spreads
•	You notice swelling, warmth, or redness
•	A lump forms
•	You develop fever or feel generally unwell
Your provider might recommend
•	A breast ultrasound or mammogram (especially to rule out deeper issues)
•	Possibly an MRI for better soft tissue visualization
•	A review by a plastic surgeon if surgical tissues need to be evaluated
In the meantime, using a compression bra and avoiding excess breast motion as you're doing are solid steps. Avoiding underwire may also help if there's nerve involvement.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Breast pain is common and often there is no identifyable cause. 
If your of mammogram age then that would be a start. 
Best
Mats Hagstrom MD

15 years post breast reduction - breast pain feels like skin tearing. What could cause this?

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15 years post breast reduction - breast pain feels like skin tearing. What could cause this?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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