Extreme pain and numbness in left arm following breast augmentation. Is it nerve damage?

Question

I had my augmentation 4 days ago. Under muscle through the crease. My right side is ok but my Left is much more painful. My left had a drain the right did not. During the day it's not as bad but my left arm feels tingly and numb. However at night I wake up screaming. My arm feels almost separate to my body and I have to vigorously rub my veins and get my boyfriend to lay on it to stop it hurting. It's also while sleeping that my left breast hurts my chest. I'm worried about nerve damage

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While discomfort is not uncommon after breast augmentation, uncontrolled extreme pain is not.  I encourage you to contact your surgeon to discuss your symptoms.  He/She is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although some (often asymmetric) discomfort after breast augmentation surgery is to be expected,  what you are describing seems somewhat extreme. Therefore, best to follow up with your plastic surgeon (earlier that already scheduled, if necessary) for an in-person evaluation;  online consultants can only speculate. Best wishes.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD · Answer

My advice is that you immediately inform your PS about the issue just to be on the safe side.  Nevertheless, pain and numbness are common after breast augmentation that could last for a couple of days.  Ask your doctor for medications that can help you cope with the discomfort. But as your body recovers and your tissue adjusts to the new contour, the pain and other post-op symptoms are supposed to subside.  Oftentimes, patients feel okay a week or two after their surgery. Good luck and best wishes.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

it is not uncommon to have pain and numbness after breast augmentation. Following any surgery it is okay to feel some pain and it is normal for two breasts to feel different.  However if you are concerned, let your surgeon know.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

It is common to have asymmetrical pain or discomfort after breast augmentation. Complaints of arm numbness and swelling are also common.However, the degree of your symptoms is quite troubling. I would see your surgeon ASAP.If you would like more information on breast Surgery, please read my book "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to double D".

Extreme pain and numbness in left arm following breast augmentation. Is it nerve damage?

Answers (6)

Answer: It is not uncommon to have pain and numbness after breast augmentation

Answer: It is not uncommon to have pain and numbness after breast augmentation

Answer: Severe Arm pain After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Severe Arm pain After Breast Augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Extreme pain and numbness in left arm following breast augmentation. Is it nerve damage?

Answers (6)

Answer: It is not uncommon to have pain and numbness after breast augmentation

Answer: It is not uncommon to have pain and numbness after breast augmentation

Answer: Severe Arm pain After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Severe Arm pain After Breast Augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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