Why does my elbow hurt after breast augmentation?

Question

I've had breast augmentation surgery 2 days ago. But since last night my right arm and the nerve in my elbow is hurting a lot.. why is that? What could be causing it?

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

When we perform breast augmentation, we have our anesthesiologist raise up the back of the OR table so we can see what the breasts look like in an upright position. In order to do this, the patient's arms are secured to a padded arm board. From time to time, patient's will complain about the symptoms you do but I have always seen it resolve. Be sure to let your surgeon know what you are experiencing.

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

Because of your positioning during surgery it is common to have slight elbow pain. And since you're only 2 days out, that is most likely the case. I'd bring up your concern to your plastic surgeon but it will most likely get better in time.

Colin White, MD · Answer

Hello,

Your arm pain could be caused by the blood pressure cuff that was used during the surgery or it could be due to positioning during the procedure. Usually this settles in a couple of days.
Good luck,

Dr. White

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

It's hard to know without an exam but the most likely explanation is arm and elbow position during surgery or while at home.  I doubt this is related to the implant itself.  These symtoms should improve on their own.  Pay attention to your arm and elbow position while you sleep and contact your surgeon if it does not improve.

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well...It is possible that your elbow pain is by the position of the arm on the left on the surgery table as they spend hours in one position and the material of the pad that is placed below the elbow, that may be the cause, but in the same way to ask your surgeon to seek the best recovery option to your pain.

Argeny Mercedes Guzman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

hello thank you for your question.
You can be in the position and the time that they leave their arms during the entire procedure. As it is placed on top of the pad and the material of the surgery table is hard and most the time it can be 3-4 hours that can influence.My recommendation is to check with your plastic surgeon for you to do something that will improve the pain.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on your breast augmentation.  The most common likely reason for elbow pain after breast augmentation is that her elbow was resting against a firm area on the operating room table during surgery.  Typically foam rubber pads were placed underneath the elbow so that no pressure occurs on the elbow.  Check your sensation in your small finger.  If you do not have numbness in the finger  your discomfort will likely resolve soon.

Why does my elbow hurt after breast augmentation?

Answers (7)

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