Burning and Aching in Armpit 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure
performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1
year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation
returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return
from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical
procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then
occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience,
and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased
sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is
also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The
last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Armpit pain and numbness after trans-axillary augmentation is quite common. If it is transient and improves with time, it is likely to continue to improve.  Best wishes on your recovery. All the best!

Such nerve symptoms are not uncommon after a transaxillary breast augmentation procedure due to the stretching of the tissues. These should all return to normal in a few more weeks after surgery.

Some numbness is common after a transaxillary procedure.  This usually gets better with time.  If it persists ask your doctor.

Hi,

I wouldn't be too worried about having some funny sensations in the armpit and even down the arm just 2 weeks following breast implant surgery. Your plastic surgeon had to lift the muscle, which itself connects with the top part of your arm bone AND the pocket for the implant can sometimes need to extend close to the arm pit. There will be swelling and bruising, not to mention the healing of tiny nerves which are cut as part of the surgery.

I'm sure everything will settle down and you'll be fine. The strap you've been given for your upper chest is not something I use, but if it's causing discomfort, I would contact your plastic surgeon about stopping it.

Good luck with it all.

Two weeks post-operative is very early in your recovery phase and swelling and bruising have usually not yet settled.  It is, therefore very common for women to experience the types of symptoms you are noticing.  Your Bra may be too tight at this stage and loosening or adjustment may be helpful.  It is important to restrict upper body exercise and activity for 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively to allow swelling and bruising to settle quickly.  You should find the symptoms will resolve over coming weeks but notify your surgeon if this is not the case.

At two weeks it is still quite common to have abnormal sensations, and the patterns of these are unique to each individual patient.

Given the fact that the sensations are gone without the strap, I would discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of continuing its use.

Thanks for your question. All the best. 

I'm assuming you had the trans-axillary approach (although I'm not 100% sure from what you're saying).  If so, it's common to have sensations like this.  If not, it's less common but it still occurs and, either way, there is probably not a lot you can do about it BUT it will typically resolve on its own.  The exact amount of time is unpredictable but it's usually not more than a few weeks.  You should speak with your PS to confirm this and to see if there is anything unusual or different about your case but that would be my general sense.

I hope that this helps and good luck,

Dr. E

The aches, burning sensation, and even numbness can all occur during the early postop period follow the placement of breast implants. As your skin, breast tissue, and muscles stretch to accommodate the added volume of your implants, these symptoms usually improve. At 2 weeks following surgery, most augmentation patients will have occasional healing pains. It will improve in time. Thank you for sharing your question and concerns. Best wishes.