Is it normal to experience pain 5+ months after a breast lift/reduction?

Question

I had a breast lift with a slight reduction (50g from left, 55g from right) on May 9. I have healed very well for the most part (scarring is fading, and my results are beautiful) but I have been experiencing consistent soreness as well as twinges of sharper pain in both breasts since then, not horrible but definitely noticeable, maybe a 3-4/10, especially in the upper pole of my breasts over the pectoral muscle and also near my scars. Is this normal? Will it go away? Should I contact my surgeon?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure.  No, I would not say that it is normal to experience pain five months after the procedure. Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for in person evaluation; he/she will be your best resource when it comes to helping you with accurate assessment and treatment recommendations. Best wishes.

Michael Zenn, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to experiences "twinges" or occasional shooting pains as the nerves are healing. This can persist for several months. However, if you are experiencing continual /daily pain at 5 months post-op, I suggest you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.Hope this information is helpful to you.BestDr. Zenn

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question. At this point of the recovery it is not normal to feel any type of pain more than just discomfort. If the pain is consistent and you start feeling a moderate/severe pain then I recommend consulting your PS personally because it should be evaluated 
Hope this helps, 
Dr. Jimenez Toribio 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
It is not uncommon for patients to have intermittent episodes of discomfort following breast reduction. The discomfort may occur after activities requiring lifting or arm movement, or even for no apparent reason. 
Swelling after breast reduction takes a full year to resolve and healing takes a year to be completed. Small cutaneous nerves may be transected during surgery, creating areas of numbness, hypersensitivity or "creepy crawly" feelings, which usually subside within a year as the scars mature.
If only a nuisance, the phenomenon  will most likely resolve over 12 months or so. If the discomfort interferes with your activities of daily living, I recommend that you undergo reevaluation by your plastic surgeon as you may be a candidate for desensitization therapy.
Best wishes...

Is it normal to experience pain 5+ months after a breast lift/reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Discomfort 5 months after breast reduction

Answer: Discomfort 5 months after breast reduction

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Is it normal to experience pain 5+ months after a breast lift/reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Discomfort 5 months after breast reduction

Answer: Discomfort 5 months after breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.