How long will arm pain last after breast implants?

Question

I had breast implants under the muscle 1 week ago. My bicep on my right arm has ached since the day after surgery I get woke up every night in extreme pain from my arm. How long will this last and is this normal?

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Arm pain after a breast augmentation is not typically normal.  This is unlikely to be due to the actual procedure and more likely due to the position you were in during surgery or possibly due to the blood pressure cuff taking your blood pressure during surgery.  It would be best to follow up with your surgeon so he can complete a thorough physical exam and give you recommendations for treatment and follow up based on his exam.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If the bicep pain you are experiencing is the result of positional placement on the OR table which likely stretched some of the nerves, the pain should resolve on its own. If the pain does not subside within the next week or so, follow up with your PS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rmontgomery923,I understand your concern. It is most likely caused by positioning during surgery. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your arm pain.  This should spontaneously improve given enough time, typically over the first 2-3 weeks depending if the pain is the result of positioning on the operating room table or from the muscle irritation that can develop with the implants.  In order to ensure everything is healing well, make sure to have close follow up with your surgeon and mention your discomfort.  Best wishes.

Carlos Gonzalez Legarda, MD · Answer

Every patient is different.some patients doesn´t refer pain, other patients refer a big pain for the first days, then reduced and can disappear in 1 to 8 weeks. Of course if you feel your pain is not the "normal", you should see your doctor.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I’m sorry you are having this issue. Please contact your surgeon and let them know. This is not a common complaint from my patients. Good luck.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi darling, thank you for your question.This ''side effects'' are usually common depending on the position that you were during the procedure. It is not a consequence of this type of surgery unless there was some mistake done but not a very common issue so you don't need to be worried. I recommend waiting for about a month until the muscles are restored and if the pain still remains, then consult your PS for a revision.Hope this helps,Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

Arm pain after breast surgery is unusual. Arm numbness after breast surgery is not uncommon because of the intercostal brachial cutaneous nerve. The pain should resolve within 6 weeks but some numbness if you have it can be long term. Good luck.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

The symptoms you describe are not normal in my experience. Please contact your surgeon and discuss this with them. You should be evaluated to ensure that this is something that will resolve on its own.

Joshua B. Hyman, MD · Answer

Sore arms after breast augmentation is very common. When the implants are placed under the muscle it causes muscle stretch and muscle spasm. The chest muscle is also attached to the arm laterally. I place all my breast augmentations on muscle relaxants after surgery. In addition, I perform a long acting anesthetic block on the muscle prior to leaving the operating room. There are definitely ways to make this procedure more comfortable.

How long will arm pain last after breast implants?

Answers (11)

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