Day 6 Post Op Breast Augmentation with Silicone - is intense burning and numbness on only one breast normal?

Question

I thought I was starting to feel better but at day 5 I started getting a burning sensation down the back of my right arm and into my arm pit. Now anytime I lay down the burning pain is unbearable. Also I notice the side of my right breast is completely numb while my left feels more normal. I know that during healing weird pains and sensations will arise but making sure it's not something to worry about? Thank you.

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience some burning and numbness after breast augmentation, especially in the first 1-2 weeks.  It is also normal to experience symptoms on one side and not the other, although this may change and at some point you may feel things on the other side and not the one currently bothering you.  This will drastically improve over the first 4 weeks.

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

Breast pain after augmentation, especially when it is associated with a burning sensation is common. Nerves get pulled during the procedure and almost always return back to their normal function. Having a nerve injury that is permanent is unusual and you will likely not know unless your symptoms do not resolve over several months.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow theformation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still quite early in your recovery. Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some #swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. #Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you and indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's instructions may help. However, #textured implants do not require breast #massage and if massage is recommended, you will be informed more about it during your post-operative visit. Further, if you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Nerve compression or damage can cause the sensations you describe and luckily, they will typically resolve over a period of 3-6 months as inflammation leaves and nerves repair. If you are experiencing sudden, intense discomfort it is best you discuss directly with your Plastic Surgeon.All the best

Day 6 Post Op Breast Augmentation with Silicone - is intense burning and numbness on only one breast normal?

Answers (8)