Nipple Burning & Pain After Breast Lift?

Question

After my breast lift (18 mo ago), I had severe burning & pain in my left nipple & it was/is very hard. A 2nd opinion surgeon said that nipple continued nipple muscle spasms are causing the problem. He suggested Botox to relax the nipple muscles- which didn't help. I wear a silicone nipple protector over it during the day & in the shower. I'm now on Neurontin for the "nerve" pain and I've cut my estrogen (for menopausal sx) in half - both help a little. Is there a solution?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Your symptoms sound like your 
nerves regenerating.  Breast procedures such as the 
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
 shapely, 
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure 
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in 
sensation to the area.  The reported rate of sensation changes 
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much 
smaller for breast augmentation.  In my experience, this rate is 
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the 
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a 
slightly greater risk.  It can take up to a year for full sensation to 
return.  Re-educating your nerves to these areas by using different 
textures when showering and putting on lotion often helps.It is one risk of such a procedure, and 
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical 
procedure. Discuss with your surgeon who can examine and decide the cause as well as give you advice.  Best wishes!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are doing the right things, but it may not get better. Another suggestion is to have a consult with a pain consultant for desensitization therapy.

Nipple Burning & Pain After Breast Lift?

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Nipple Burning & Pain After Breast Lift?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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