Breasts still itch every day after 2nd surgery 10 months ago

Question

I had a breast lift + implant + areola reduction in 2021 that was revised a year later in 2022. The first surgery left my breasts inappropriately large for my frame; the second time, the implants were subbed for a smaller set and areolas reduced even further. The second surgery was 10 months ago and my breasts still itch CONSTANTLY all day; it’s a frustrating kind of itch that is hard to localize due to the nerve damage. I don’t know anyone else with this issue this long after surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation can occur after surgery including the itching you are experiencing.  Some patients find temporary improvement from cool compresses to the area.  If it is unbearable you can consider medications to help.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not ask a question so I cannot answer it. However, you might try some nerve blocks to see if the itching will calm down some or go away.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s common for people to experience Skin sensation changes after surgery.
This is especially true for operations with long skin incisions, especially if tissue is undermined(the surgical process of separating tissue layers). Sensation typically returns to normal or a new baseline and most people usually eventually get a custom to the changes as the new normal. The more you upset over changes in skin sensation the more likely the issue is to bother you. It’s a bit like having anxiety. The more you engage with the anxiety, the worse the anxiety gets.
Your ability to except the changes in skin sensation from surgery is the best done by ignoring them, and letting your body heal up, accepting that skin changes are inevitable when you have surgical intervention.
There’s no way to reverse the changes once surgery is done.
You can’t undo the procedure you had. 
Issues related to sensation changes after surgery despite happening from surgery is not considered a surgical problem. 
For that reason, you’re probably going to get limited responses from the surgical community.
What you are experiencing is not abnormal, but people perceive the changes and accept them differently.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Breasts still itch every day after 2nd surgery 10 months ago

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Breasts still itch every day after 2nd surgery 10 months ago

Answers (3)

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