Can breast implants cause a pinched nerve after 8 years?

Question

I have textured, silicone, cohesive gel implants, 330cc under the muscle. Prior to my surgery, I was a 32B. Now I’m a 34C. 3 years ago I started experiencing consistent breast pain. Last year I started having weakness, pain and numbness in my right arm. After consulting with several medical professionals, they say it’s from a pinched nerve. I’m taking nerve blockers but still am in pain daily. Could this be “implant arm” where muscle stretching from my implant is causing a pinched nerve?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants cannot pinch any nerve that innervates the arm, with the very rare exception of the injury to the intercostobrachial nerve, which innervates sensation to armpit and inner/upper arm. This nerve is virtually at the armpit level, and when injured (usually during an armlift procedure, not breast augmentation) simply causes numbness to armpit and upper inner arm, not nerve pain. Implants only affect the pectoralis major muscle, and doesn't really 'stretch'; it certainly doesn't pinch nerves to the arm either. What you should do is have your implants and the ENTIRE scar capsule removed and replaced with smooth implants. This will completely eliminate the already small risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, but more importantly, reduce any 'velcro effect' from textured implants and the possibility of discomfort associated with that.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Many women notice a kind of pulling discomfort with implants. It may be the implant dragging on scar tissue, but it needs to be examined by your surgeon to make sure there is nothing else going on.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sgray_22,
it is highly unlikely that implants are the cause of your issues. I would suggest you to visit your doctor and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Can breast implants cause a pinched nerve after 8 years?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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

Can breast implants cause a pinched nerve after 8 years?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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