Nerve pain 17 years after breast implants

Question

I had breast implants 17 years ago. At the time, I had shooting pain in my left breast. Not constant and periodically which I believe involved the implant shifting to my left side (think laying on back sleeping). Implants have been fine since otherwise. A week ago, I was leaning forward and pushed myself up with my left arm. It immediately caused the nerve pain and it has been periodically since if I move wrong, raise arm shoulder level. I'm waking up at night from pain. How can I resolve this?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Im sorry to hear that happened so suddenly. I would go to your primary care doctor to ask them if this is a musculoskeletal issue perhaps a pinched nerve.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Chasethedream,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If the pain is due to injury or swelling near the nerve the issue may resolve with rest.  If not here are medications such as gabapentin which can be used to address nerve pain.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest seeing a physical therapist and trying ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments to calm the pain down and hopefully it leaves.

Can Zeliha Gul, MD · Answer

Hello this is Dr. Can Zeliha Gul. You should get breast ultrasonography or mammography to rule out important health condition.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

There are several non-surgical options.  
First, you may try Lyrica or Neurontin which are nerve pain medications.  It might require a 2-4 week trial to see if it calms down the intermittent flare ups.
Another option is trying to localize the area responsible for the flare up (usually palpating or tapping the area to reproduce the pain).  If successful, this is injected with Kenalog-a lite steroid (carefully not to injure the implant).
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings, 
There are many possible issues to be evaluated with the sudden onset of left breast pain at 17 years  following your breast augmentations. 
Here are a few things you might discuss with your plastic surgeon when you revisit for a post-op consutlation:
1) Has there been any left sided swelling or signs of bleeding? 
2) Did you have any issue before this pain began with a left implant capsule (implant firmness) or position displacement?
3) Have you had a mammogram after your pain started?
Once again, this new problem would be best addressed now with an examinaton and revisit to your plastic surgeon. Appropriate diagnostic studies may be indicated.
Best Regards,

BREAST IMPLANTS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Nerve pain 17 years after breast implants

Answers (7)

BREAST IMPLANTS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU