Burning and Aching in Armpit 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Question

I had 320cc implants placed through the crease under the muscle about 2 weeks ago. Immediately after the surgery, I had pretty bad numbness and tingling down my right arm. I removed the strap over the breasts and that relieved some of the pressure in my armpit and the numbness at times is completely gone. However, it does return at times and I can't figure out why. I also have a hot burning sensation in the armpit. Is this just the nerve healing? Is this normal to experience at this point?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

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.

Burning and Aching in Armpit 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Numbness by armpit

Answer: Numbness by armpit

Answer: Funny tingling sensations after breast implants are pretty common

Answer: Funny tingling sensations after breast implants are pretty common

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Burning and Aching in Armpit 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Numbness by armpit

Answer: Numbness by armpit

Answer: Funny tingling sensations after breast implants are pretty common

Answer: Funny tingling sensations after breast implants are pretty common

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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