Left arm pain with numbness of hand 1 month post breast augmentation.

Question

Hello. I'm 5 weeks post Breast Augmentation . 2 days ago, I started to complain of left arm pain with numbness of hand which increases at night . Is it normal with BA or is there something wrong. I'm so worried

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Pain accompanied by numbness that increases at night should be discussed with your physician.  Best to seek an in-person follow-up for an evaluation.  Good luck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend visiting your plastic surgeon for an in-person assessment.

Kirsty Boyd, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Arm pain and hand numbness are not typical following breast augmentation and you should certainly discuss with your surgeon.There are a couple of reasons why you might develop these symptoms.  The most concerning thing, which would need urgent assessment, is a cardiac event.  Chest pain, left arm pain, crushing and numbness can be signs of a heart attack.  That would be extremely uncommon in a healthy patient following a short surgery.More likely is that the positioning of your arm in surgery has led to a flare of nerve symptoms.  Common nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome can be exacerbated by the position in which you lie during surgery typically arms out at 90 degrees).  We take great care to try and pad pressure points and prevent this, but it isn't unheard of for people to develop these symptoms of nerve compression due to positioning.  Talk to you doctor.  Explain exactly where the numbness and pain is.  This should help to decide what the cause is.  Good luck!

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Swelling after surgery can migrate into the armpit (axilla) and may be responsible for your symptoms which have developed relatively late in the early postoperative period. I certainly would bring this to the attention of your surgeon ASAP as it will require evaluation to establish a diagnosis (as other less common causes must be excluded) and close followup until it resolves. 
Best wishes!

Daniel Bortnick, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. What you are describing is not that unusual. For a period of weeks to months patients often experience issues with numbness or shooting sensations in the breasts and sometimes the hands or arms. Concern would exist if the numbness was constant and started at the onset of surgery. The most likely cause is from the implant moving a little after surgery and related to pressing on the nerves, relating to breast pain or numbness. Numness and tingling in the arms could be related to position of the arms during surgery but is most likely related to new sleeping position or bras and garment or athletic activity modifications. Your body should adapt and go back to normal. If the numbness worsens or becomes constant make sure you call your surgeon and have a follow up exam. Good luck!

Left arm pain with numbness of hand 1 month post breast augmentation.

Answers (5)

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