Sharp shooting burning pain under left breast when I move a certain way 2 years post-op

Question

I had breast aug almost 2 years ago. 4.5 month ago I had scar revision on left breast. When I sleep on left side or move breast a certain way I have an Intense shooting, burning pulling pain right under left breast and I believe makes rib sore. Surgeon first said this was normal now he says he has nothing to do w what he did. He said it might be Costochondritis. I’m getting a MRI please help. This is ruining my mental health. I’m so upset. PLEASE HELP ME

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

More information and an examination are needed to determine the cause of the pain. Neuropathic pain can happen after breast surgery, and while it generally gets better as time goes on, sometimes medications are necessary to help the nerve calm down. If there is a postsurgical neuroma, these often require surgical intervention.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sngp,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need an examination to see where the pain is specifically and if it could be related to your breast surgery. Some scar tissue may have developed around a sensory nerve, or there may be another reason. Pain doctors are good at blocking painful nerves, and I would suggest seeing one of them.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

We really require a lot more information.
Is the pain reproducible (can you press on any area and reproduce the pain)?
Was the scar revision just of the scar and not for the internal scar tissue (capsule)?
Was the revision performed under local anesthesia?

An MRI may or may not diagnose the issue.

Usually, a scar revision would not cause such pain.  The pain you describe is more of a nerve pain which is not uncommon with primary breast augmentation procedures , much less common with minor revisions.

If the pain is from the scar and referred to other areas, sometimes a steroid injection in the area (being careful not to injure the implant) may work.
Medication like Lyrica may also help to 'reset' the nerve and can be stopped after a month or so.

Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Sharp shooting burning pain under left breast when I move a certain way 2 years post-op

Answers (4)

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