I have burning incisions and a worm like sensation in my breasts. What could it mean?

Question

I am 9 days post op/under muscle and I've noticed little often I get a painful burning sensation in my incisions to the point I want to cry. This lasts a few mins and for some reason I also feel like there's a worm on each breast. It moves around the inductions left and right. It's not tickling me but more so annoying. What could these 2 symptoms mean? Thank you

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. It is not unusual for patients to feel tingling, intermittent shooting or other strange sensations in the immediate post op period due to Nerve damage and regrowth. This is expected, temporary and not something to worry about. I recommend that you speak with your Plastic Surgeon about your concerns and let them advise you.All the best

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

These sensations are caused by nerve endings. These nerves in breast are feeling pressure and swelling and transmitting these sensations to your brain. It takes several weeks to settle. There is no reason to worry.

Raymond Jean, MD · Answer

Early in your recovery it is normal to have twinges of pain at the incision site, This is sometimes what we refer to as the nerves waking up.  Some patients feel shooting pains or burning, or  sometimes electrical like shocks.  This is normal.  The movement or worm like sensation in your breast may be muscle spasms in the pectoralis muscle which was partially released  and elevated to place your implants.  The stretching and release of this muscle can sometimes result in spasms.  I often proscribe patients a muscle relaxant for this as this can be more uncomfortable than the discomfort from the skin incisions.  Bottom line is this will improve as your muscle relaxes.  Best of luck. Raymond Jean MD Board Certified Plastic surgeon Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr PA

I have burning incisions and a worm like sensation in my breasts. What could it mean?

Answers (3)