Can a breast implant sit on a nerve?

Question

I have implants in both my breasts but my reconstructive one has caused nothing but problems since I had an infection five years ago. Since then I have had another implant (last surgery 4 years ago). I get pain in my breast so I saw my plastic surgeon recently about this and he thinks my implant is sitting on a nerve but seems reluctant to do anything about it.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It definitely could sit on a nerve, or a nerve could have become encased in scar tissue causing chronic pain. A revision may help, but I would suggest attending a pain clinic first. There may be things that anaesthesiology based pain specialists can do to help that wouldn't involve surgery. Hope that helps!

Shitel Patel, MD · Answer

The pain that you are having can be from multiple causes (scar tissue entrapping a nerve, capsule contracture. There can be procedures done in the office to identify the cause of your discomfort, such as local anesthetics injection. There are also medications that can also help with the pain and discomfort. It is important for the physical exam to determine the cause of your discomfort. I would consider getting a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

Frederick W. Ehret, MD · Answer

Breast reconstruction with implants is a much more complicated procedure than a breast augmentation. There are significantly more variables that need to be accounted for. Even more so than a breast augmentation, it is important to have an in person consult with a plastic surgeon, as you have. Although an implant putting direct pressure on a nerve isn't common, it could certainly happen. Improving such a problem would be difficult and likely an imperfect science. Occasionally, some precisely placed fat grafts might improve a situation like yours. You did not mention whether or not your implants are beneath your pectoralis major muscle, but if your reconstruction was completed four years ago, they most likely are. Some women, experience continued pain as well as animation deformity (severe distortion of implants when you flex your muscles). Sometimes, a relatively new procedure of moving the implants above the pectoralis muscle for reconstruction might improve these symptoms. Of course, the results of this would vary case to case. This is why an in person evaluation would be needed to determine your options.

Sherif Wilson, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

There is a variety of causes for breast pain after implant surgery. The most common is capsular contracture, but it could be sitting on a nerve although it is rare. I would recommend that you are assessed again and discuss with your plastic surgeon ways to improve the pain.

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

It is important to discuss your discomfort with your surgeon.   There are many reasons that can cause pain or discomfort.   Your surgeon with a good examination will be you best option.   Infections can increase the chance of scar tissue, nerve exposure,  radiation exposure can change the pocket dynamics,  implant type and size, muscle and soft tissue can play a part, etc.  Good luck.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It is possible for implants to compress a nerve, which causes pain and discomfort. Implant adjustment may be a solution to this. Discuss this with your surgeon and schedule an appointment.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing.  Yes, it is possible that a breast implant (like any type of form body) can put pressure directly on a nerve causing significant patient discomfort. Sometimes, adjustment of breast implant capsules and/or the use of acellular dermal matrix may be helpful when it comes to alleviating or decreasing symptoms. Careful physical examination and careful communication of concern/goals will be key when it comes to determining the best way to help you surgically ( if possible). Sometimes, unfortunately, patients pain/discomfort cannot be remedied surgically ( even removal of breast implants altogether may not do so).  Best wishes.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

If you are having pain in your breast changing the implant for a different   size  and  different style implant could be potentially very useful.    My Best,  Dr G Commons

Can a breast implant sit on a nerve?

Answers (8)

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