Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Question

I have pain in my back that seems to stem from the scar tissue.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that a breastlift scar would result in pain in the back. I would recommend you explore other possible causes. Take care!

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Yes, scar tissue from a breast lift procedure can potentially cause nerve damage, though it is not extremely common. Here’s how it can happen:
1.	Surgical Trauma: During the breast lift surgery, nerves in the breast tissue and around the nipple area can be stretched, compressed, or inadvertently cut, leading to temporary or permanent nerve damage.
2.	Scar Tissue Formation: As the body heals from surgery, scar tissue forms around the incision sites. If scar tissue compresses or puts pressure on nerves, it can interfere with nerve function and cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or altered sensation.
3.	Location of Incisions: The placement and extent of incisions made during the breast lift can influence the risk of nerve damage. Techniques that involve more extensive dissection or repositioning of tissue may carry a higher risk.
4.	Individual Variation: Every person's anatomy and healing process are unique, which can affect how nerves respond to surgical manipulation and scar tissue formation.
To minimize the risk of nerve damage during a breast lift, it's essential to choose a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon who uses precise techniques and considers nerve anatomy carefully. If you experience any unusual sensations or changes in nerve function after surgery, it's important to discuss them with your plastic surgeon promptly. Early intervention can help manage any issues and improve outcomes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There is always a possibility that scar tissue can cause some nerve dysfunction. But, it is difficult to tell and hard to treat if it does.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Certainly there is a chance that you can experience some temporary "twinges" or "zings" of nerve pain as the nerves grow back after a breast lift--this is a normal part of healing after breast surgery.  Generally this takes several months to improve.  It seems highly unlikely that any breast tissue scarring would result in back pain at all.  Occasionally women will have upper back/neck pain from having excessively large breasts. I would suggest exploring some other potential causes of back pain with your primary MD.

Andrew Goldberg, MD · Answer

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is usually performed with incisions that some people refer to as an anchor. This involves a scar around the areola, extending down to and within the lower breast crease. Over time these scars heal but they will always be visible. It is rare for these scars to cause prolonged discomfort but in the early stages of healing there may be some pain and feelings of tightness. This discomfort would rarely extend to the back. Soft tissue massage is often beneficial.

Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

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Answer: Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Answer: Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Answer: Breast lift scars and pain

Answer: Breast lift scars and pain

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Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Answers (6)

Answer: Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Answer: Can scar tissue from a breast lift cause nerve damage?

Answer: Breast lift scars and pain

Answer: Breast lift scars and pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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