7 months post OP & feeling pain & twinges in both my breast (right is more achy), can you advise?

Hi,

The most typical scenario is that the pain reaches its maximum immediately after surgery, and a few weeks after the surgery, the pain gradually decreases. A few months after surgery, the pain almost completely fades away. This is the typical and the most common scenario after the operation.

The first reason for the pain (in general) is that we're creating a pocket by releasing some muscle fibers and cauterizing and cutting those fibers. When those muscle fibers try to heal, they usually trigger an inflammatory response, decreasing the pain threshold of the pectoralis major muscle. This will cause discomfort and pain in the area.

The second one is that some microscopic nerve fibers are also being cut. As those nerve fibers try to heal, the early premature nerve fibers are so sensitive that they may trigger a pain response even with the slightest touch or stretch sensation.

The third one is when we place an implant, we're actually changing the functional anatomy of this area. Particularly, if it's under the muscle, we're changing the functional anatomy. Therefore, that new state will trigger functional, mechanical muscle pain. This main pain may be prolonged, and it may even be extended up to a couple of months following the surgery.

The last most common reason is that the body tries to restrict it by creating a capsule. Sometimes, this capsule, if it is firm or if it's an early stage of a problem, may also be associated with pain. So, a capsule contracture could also be associated with pain in the chest and breast area.

My comments and recommendations are solely based on your text and are subject to change. I always recommend a face-to-face consultation with a specialist to plan the treatment.

Best wishes, Dr. Surmeli.

It is hard to say with certainty what is causing the discomfort. Sensory nerves are often disrupted during any surgical procedure, and they typically regenerate. This can manifest as a burning, itching, sharp, dull pain, and be uncomfortable at one moment, and completely normal the next moment. So, that may be a normal process that is going on. At the same time, there may be an element of capsular contracture. You should discuss with your surgeon ways to avoid capsular contracture, and most surgeons will initiate treatment within a few weeks of surgery. These interventions include implant massage, possible ultrasound, as well as certain medications that can help avoid this

Good morning, I hope you're doing well. Have you already had a breast ultrasound? The first thing you should do is get the ultrasound to check where the pain is coming from.