Post Breast Augmentation sharp stabbing pain under right armpit that radiates. Why could that be? (photo)

What you are describing is likely muscle spasm rather than sensory nerve pain, but either or both could be part of your discomfort. The fact that it is only on one side is understandably concerning, but swelling, stretching, nerve irritation, even right-handedness (or hand use more on one side) can all be factors in why you notice this on predominantly one side.Healing is never as fast as patients (and doctors) wish, but we have become used to it over years and many patients, but individually, pretty much everybody is impatient! Swelling reaches its peak 3-5 days after surgery, so things should start getting better over the next days and weeks, reaching "final" improvement only at 6-12 months.Take your prescribed muscle relaxants as your doctor recommends, and refill them if needed. Don't immobilize your arm movements to try to reduce these symptoms, but keep gentle movement going on and this will resolve on its own. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

What you are describing is a very common postoperative sensation. It could be of muscle origin, but most likely it is a nerve that has been injured by stretch and is in the process of healing. This will almost certainly subside, whether it takes three weeks or even six months.

This is not an unusual occurrence at this stage.  As scar tissue is forming and the nerves and muscle are recovering from being stretched to make room for the implant you may feel sharp or even burning sensations.  These usually resolve with time, but even months from now you be doing something and get a sharp pain.  These will usually decrease in frequency, duration and intensity as you get farther away from surgery.

Five days after a breast augmentation, the nerves are being stretched as they have to reach around the implants. The result is a sensation of electric shocks, a red-hot poker, or sharp pain. Speak with your surgeon about your symptoms so he/she can give advice specific to your needs. In my practice, my patients often find great relief from placing ice packs wrapped in cloth over the sides of the breasts to numb the nerves.  The pain typically subsided after the nerves have adjusted, usually after a couple to several weeks.Click on the link below to see a breast augmentation case after complete healing.Good luck!

Congratulations on completing your breast augmentation! Sharp pains, stabbing pains, burning pains are all common in the first 2 weeks after breast augmentation. Most of the time all of these subside.  Your own plastic surgeon can help you through this process and may have advice on whether to use/not use a bra, activity, anti-inflammatories (wait until you are cleared to take them) etc. So call your surgeon and ask for advice. Best of luck in recovery.Below is general information on breast augmentation.