Breast Implant Pressing Median Nerve. Advice? (photo)

Question

Since my breast lift with implants 5 years ago. Under muscle 550cc mentor mod plus Silicone gel. My right hand thumb, pointer and middle finger go numb. When I lift and move the implant I get the feeling back. Also, at times when I am wearing a loose bra but my breasts are supported up I have numbness in my pinky and ring finger until I take the bra off. Is it possibly that because my implant is sitting on top of my pectoral minor muscle that it is pushing on my nerves and causing this?

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

The problem you described is very unusual and your photos are striking for several deformities. You should, in my opinion, seek the most experienced surgeon you can reach for their in-person assessment and treatment plan. This is not a clear cut situation and now is the time to slow things down and get the very best opinions.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
This is certainly a difficult issue- and the treatment of pain can have several solutions to discuss with your PS- downsize, add mesh for support, capsulorrhaphy with internal permanent sutures, explant, lots of options-etc. This is one of those situations that definitely needs to be worked out in person.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The symptoms if numbness in the thumb index snd muddle finder are consistent with compression of the median nerve. However numbness in the pinky is related to the ulnar nerve. The symptoms may well be from traction of the nerve roots through scar tissue around the implant. It’s worth consulting a neurologist to try to pinpoint the location of nerve compression. You don’t want to needlessly undergo a carpal tunnel release. Switching to smaller implants may resolve the issue but no way to be sure.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CaliBoobies,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is unlikely that implants are the cause of your issues. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Boonchai Taweerattanasil, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. From your words, you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which correctly relate to Median nerve. The cause mostly from the entrapped nerve in the wrist. It does not relate to breast implants years ago.You should looking for a surgery treatment of this condition, not about the implants. And from your words, you might have Ulnar nerve entrapment as well.
Dr.BoonchaiCertified board of plastic and reconstructive surgery (Thailand). Member of International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Michael S. Wong, MD · Answer

Dear CaliBoobies,
Thank you for your questions and photos. While the thumb, index and long finger sensibility is provided by the median nerve, I think it would be very unusual for your implants to be compressing your median nerve. Have you been evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome by a hand surgeon? I can imagine that if you are lifting your implant, you are likely extending your wrist (cocking it back) a bit, which would likely decrease pressure on the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Also, the numbness you describe in your ring and small fingers is not from median nerve compression, but the ulnar nerve typically at the elbow in the cubital tunnel. Again, I would encourage you to seek out a hand surgeon to evaluate you for the numbness you are intermittently experiencing in your right hand.
I hope you find this helpful and wish you well.

Breast Implant Pressing Median Nerve. Advice? (photo)

Answers (6)

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