Sharp tearing pain in right breast in a line from my nipple to my armpit. I'm 3 weeks post op. What should I do? (Photo)

Question

Sharp tearing pain in right breast in a line from my nipple to my armpit. I am 3 weeks post op. Pain started this morning. I was a 34A and had 370 cc high profile implants under the muscle. The pain occurs with any arm movement. There is no change to the appearance or shape of the breast. The lines on the photo are from my clothing as I have just woken up.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question and I am so sorry to hear you are in pain.Since there has been a change in your post operative course, please call your Surgeon as soon as possible to make him/her aware of what is going on and so you can be examined.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello BASA,Thank you for your question.You are fairly early after breast augmentation.  It is not uncommon to have this kind of pain popup when the breasts are "waking up" after surgery.  This sounds like a nerve branch related phenomenon, but I would go see your surgeon to make sure everything is ok.  You can ice the area to decrease the symptoms.  Don't delay in seeing your surgeon.  They will come up with a plan to manage the discomfort.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is important
to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource
when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns.

Having said that, I am sorry to learn about your pain. It seems like you are
having some nerve pain and maybe some muscle spasm. Sometimes after the surgery
the patient does not move around a lot and things start to get tight and stiff.
When this happens, there can be some aches. So really work on moving around,
lifting your arms up and move the arms around. As for the positional pain, it
could be nerve related and when the breast implants slides and hits the nerve
it can cause a shooting pain towards your breast or even into your back. So do
not worry, all of these pains will go away. If you feel something is wrong, you
should absolutely call your PS.

I hope you found this helpful. As always ask your PS first about any questions.
Have a great day.

Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are still early in the healing process at 3 weeks. It is not unusual to have pain associated with movement, especially in the outer part of the breast. We frequently will place our patients on a muscle relaxer such as Flexeril for the first 1-2 weeks to help with the muscle spasticity that occurs from stretching. I also will underdissect  the outer breast pocket to help keep your breast cleavage centralized during the healing process - the outer breast will stretch and soften over time. This may also account for some of the discomfort you are experiencing. As always, if you have any concerns, call your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, BASA.  Thanks for your question.  You are still very early in your healing process.  It is not unusual to have sharp pain after surgery.   It may be due to nerve pain or muscle pulling on it.  However, it would be best to check back with your plastic surgeon. Best regards.

Sharp tearing pain in right breast in a line from my nipple to my armpit. I'm 3 weeks post op. What should I do? (Photo)

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Sharp tearing pain in right breast in a line from my nipple to my armpit. I'm 3 weeks post op. What should I do? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Sharp tearing pain after breast augmentation

Answer: Sharp tearing pain after breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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