Is it common to have numbness or tingling feeling in right hand after Breast reduction?

Question

My right has been numb and tingling since I woke up from Breast reduction surgery. I had my breast reduction 6/1/15. 2 of my fingers n my thumb is where the problem is. Please help!!!

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

This is a common side
effect of breast reduction surgery. These sensations will most likely fade over
the next 9 months or so. I suggest telling your PS about this so he/she can monitor
your progress as you recover. Best regards.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

This is most likely a reult of how your arms were positioned and secured during surgery. Your radial nerve most likely was compressed at the wrist which can do this. It should get better in two weeks. Let your surgeon know about this.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Yes, it is relatively common to experience numbness or tingling in the hands or breasts after breast reduction surgery. This sensation is usually due to the temporary irritation or compression of nerves during surgery, as well as swelling in the area. The nerves in the chest and shoulder region can sometimes be affected, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling in the hands, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
In most cases, these sensations improve as the body heals, but it can take weeks to months for normal sensation to return. If the numbness or tingling persists or worsens, it's important to consult your plastic surgeon, as it could indicate a more significant nerve issue.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

After you went to sleep and before you had your breast reduction, the O.R. personnel probably placed your arms at 90 degrees from your body and wrapped them to the arm boards.  The purpose of this is to stabilize your arms and keep them out of the way during surgery.  It is likely that your surgeon sat you up a couple times during the surgery to check breast shape and symmetry.  The median nerve (same one that is involved in carpal tunnel syndrome) probably got stretched a little.  Unless there is weakness in your hand, the numbness is probably not serious and is likely to recover without treatment over the next several weeks

Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD · Answer

Although it's not common to have numbness and tingling in the hand after a breast reduction procedure, it is certainly possible. Tingling in the fingers of one hand may be caused by a stretch injury to your median nerve as a result of the position of your body during the procedure and the fact that you were in the same position for a long period of time. These are potential risks of having surgery which were hopefully explained to you before surgery. Symptoms should improve and you should regain normal sensation within a few days to six months. Please contact your plastic surgeon and let them know about the numbness and tingling in your hand. She/he will be able to monitor your recovery, provide guidance and act promptly should your symptoms not improve in a timely fashion. I wish you the best!

Is it common to have numbness or tingling feeling in right hand after Breast reduction?

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