Is It Normal to Have Breast Pain 3 Months After Surgery? I Feel Burning and Needles

Breast
augmentation is often accompanied by pain swelling and nipple
hypersensitivity. These are essentially
normal findings which usually resolve on their own. The burning sensation that you describe is
known as a dysesthesia. It’s very
similar to what happens when your leg falls asleep. The phenomena occurs when nerves are
compressed or stretched. During and
after breast augmentation surgery, this is exactly what happens to the nerves
that supply the nipple.The breast
implant underneath the nipple compresses and stretches the soft tissue and
nerves that supply the nipple and areola.In many cases, this process is made worse by swelling.Patients
typically describe a painful tingling, burning sensation that can be very
uncomfortable.In many cases, clothing
rubbing against the area can elicit a pins and needles sensation.These
symptoms usually resolve in 6 to 8 weeks without intervention but may persist
up to 3 to 6 months.In some cases,
aggressive massage can desensitize the area and minimize the pain and
discomfort associated with this condition.

Thanks for the question, Isabella. You are describing postoperative "nerve" pain which is very common in any surgery, breast being no exception. Three months seems like a long time but it is still early in the healing process. It is very likely to improve over the next year. Nerves can be stretched (Neuropraxia) and cause numbness or hypersensitivity but resolve in 6 weeks, cutaneous nerves can also be cut (Axonometsis) in order to do a proper dissection or while repositioning breast tissue to a better location. This second type of nerve injury requires nerve regeneration which causes burning and needles and can take up to 18 months to occur.
We have specialized in Breast surgery for the last quarter century and have done over 12,000 breast surgeries. Interestingly in reviewing our 32 question post op surveys returned by several thousand breast augmentation patients, we were surprised to see that post-op nerve alteration was exceedingly common 27% early post-op numbness or more commonly nipple hypersensitivity. Fortunately, less than 1% had the nerve abnormality persist at the one year mark.
So rest assured Isabella, it is almost certainly a temporary discomfort.
JP Riou MD FACS

Thank you for your question. It is no surprise that you are still experiencing some pain or discomfort. You are still in a recovery process, so this is nothing unusual. If this pain worsens be sure to let you PS know. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman Estates BarringtonChicago Oakbrook 

Generally this is the result of nerve regeneration, and will often subside over time. Tingling and burning are good signs and it most likely means that sensation is returning. Changes in sensation are normally temporary and resolve in the weeks or months following surgery. It is very rare that permanent changes occur.  

The breast are still healing.  The nerves sometimes are stretched with cause temporary damage.The nerves heal as a sign of burning and tingling,\.  This is a good thing and much better than loose of sensation.

pain is always a difficult issue..  healing continues for months.. nerves sometimes for 1-2 years

this will generally improve..   symptoms can be treated with anti inflamatories  like advil ,  celebrex.

 steroids can be used such as a medrol dospak

neurontin and other meds for chronic pain exist but are seldom necessary

 

You are describing sensations that are typical of nerve recovery after breast augmentation.

I suggest you see your surgeon who will recommend desensitization exercises. These will help clear up the unpleasant sensations more quickly.

Good luck!

Hello,

It is not uncommon to have weird sensations in the breast months after surgery.  What you describe sounds like nerve related pains that typically occur as the sensory nerves come back to life after being stretched during breast surgery.  Anti-inflammatory meds like Ibuprofen, etc. can help calm some of the symptoms down.  Ask your surgeon for options to help reduce your worry.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Shah

 

It is normal to experience some burning, needling pain as the nerves regenerate.  I recommend Vit B6 100 mg three times per day to help during this period of healing. 

Hi Isabella,

What you are describing is nerve pain. Many times with breast surgery (augmentation or reduction) nerves are inadvertently damaged. This may be through cutting, post op swelling (compression or stretching) or even blunt trauma (bruising of the nerve). All these are the different ways sensory nerves can be affected during surgery. In most cases, the injured nerve will heal itself. This takes time, sometimes as long as a year. So, please be patient and make your PS aware of this problem so that he can address it if necessary. Best wishes, Dr. H