Burning in Sternum After Breast Augmentation

Question

Is it normal to still have a burning sensation in my muscle near my sternum 7 months post? It just happens to be on my breast that has slightly bottomed out and where the muscle got partially detached along my sternum.... the bottom of my breast is also numb on that side.

	It could just be nerves or it could be the muscle being stretched by the implant still.I also get burning in my nipple, but I'm not sure if it's related.My surgeon doesn't know why I'm getting burning in my sternum in my muscle.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Pain and burning sensations after breast surgery are not entirely normal.

	It is important not to ignore nerve pain or unpleasant sensations relating to nerves because these may become permanent.

	Often physical therapy, desensitization, and occasionally a neurologist may be helpful.

	Also if the problem is located at an area that requires revision, that may be the time to investigate the nerve problem.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is normal, it likely has to do with the muscle being over dissected a bit which would feel like a really aggresive chest workout

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

it is not unusual to have sensory irritation even up to a year after augmentation. it is odd but i have found that the side that the patient feels has an appearance problem also has a pain problem associated with it. be patient.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Burning sensation usually means a nerve is being irritated.  It could be that it is being stretched or it may be caught in some scar tissue that is not irritating it.  Potentially a talk with a pain specialist may help.  Sometimes medication can be used to soothe irritated nerves.

Chen Lee, MD · Answer

Burning 7 months after breast augmentation is not common. Likely origin of the problem is nerve injury. If symptoms improve with implant manipulation then one can consider revisional surgery for symptoms. Otherwise it be best to review with your surgeon nonsurgery options based on your symptomatology (sometimes meds such as neurontin, or desensitization techniques via OT).

Burning in Sternum After Breast Augmentation

Answers (10)