Pricking sensation in my breasts is it normal?

Question

I had a breast augmentation 17 days ago and I am still experiencing quite a bit of pain and discomfort. I am due back at work this week as a district nurse but don't feel ready yet am I being over dramatic about it? I am still not going a lot of normal everyday tasks as they hurt. Could I take gabapentin for the pin pricking type pain ? I feel quite low in mood wil this get better?

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

What you are describing is completely normal and on par after recovery from surgery.  Not every patient experiences what you are experiencing but some do and it is mainly nerve pain.Gabapentin may help, but by the time it kicks in, you will likely have much improvement of the discomfort.  At times I have my patients massage thru the nerve pains which tends to help.I would obviously discuss this with your surgeon to make sure massaging is ok.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The pain must be
making things difficult for you, and this is understandable. Please know that
what you are feeling is quite normal, both in regards with the pricking
sensation, and the low mood. 
1 in 7 women after
BBA experience changes in their breast sensation, and some can have hypersensitivity
where they experience burning pain even with slight touch. You are experiencing
a form of this and it may be due to activation of free nerve endings close to
the implant. Gabapentin may help, but it is best to ask your surgeon before
starting anything. This type of pain is temporary and lowers in scale as the
breast tissues stretch and accommodate the implant. 
With regards to
the mood, please know that many women complain of depressed mood after surgery,
so you are not alone. This can be due to facing difficulty in recovery both
physically and emotionally. 
There is normally
an emotional cycle of ups and downs that most patients undergo. Post-operative
depression is real, and its effects can be minimized if patients are prepared
for and understand it in advance. 
Emotional
Rollercoaster (Low Energy) – 1st few week
There will be
swelling, pain, discomfort, and physical change. This is a time when your inner
and outer energy level will be low making you disinterested in other things. Pain
medications will make you disoriented and emotional with feelings of depression
coming about the 3rd or 4th day.
General Anesthesia
Traces of anesthetics used to make you sleep during surgery
can temporarily stay in your body’s tissues affecting you both physically
(fatigue and exhausted) and emotionally (depressed and in despair) for up to 3
weeks. 
Pain medications
In addition to reducing your pain, your use of narcotic pain
killers which are also considered depressants also slow everything down like
alcohol bringing out a range of emotional reactions based on the mood and
atmosphere of their surroundings. 
Physical Restrictions inherent in recovery
Your usual routine in life will be dictated by the
instructions for recovery which limit your movements by many weeks to allow
healing. For example, you will not be able to fully use your chest muscles for
a couple of weeks limiting your ability to drive, pick up things that are more
than 10 pounds, change clothes, etc. Because of this loss of control of your
body, your looks, your schedule, you will be stuck in bed, depending on others
with basic tasks such as self-care and other daily-activities minimizing your
level of independence. Because of being out of your comfort zone, you may
experience feelings of restlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, and boredom.
Due to the lack of exercise, your brain will only provide a short supply of
endorphins, which is never a good thing mood-wise.
Steps to prevent the feelings:
Get support from your loved ones: recovery can be difficult
when you are alone and full of emotions. When your partner, your family member,
or friend provide help in a supportive way, it can be very comforting to know
that you’re not alone in this especially because you will have someone to share
your concerns and feelings with. 
Plan your recovery before surgery: with the physical and
emotional stress, coming into recovery without a simple plan can be more
troublesome. You should be eating healthy, fresh, and nutritious meals/snacks
to aid the healing process, you should have comfortable clothing, and have no
difficulty in getting access to the bathroom, warm settings, and entertainment
(books, magazine, T.V, laptop, phone) at home to pass the time.  You will want to drink lots of water and gets
lost of rest.
You should always follow your surgeon’s instructions for
recovery. Please share your feelings and concerns with your plastic surgeon as
they will be in the position to best help you with not only you physical
concerns, but your mental and emotional concerns. 
Best of luck in your recovery!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your recent question.  The pain you are feeling is all normal. This is the nerve endings regenerating which is all part of the healing process. Honestly going back to work at this point maybe a good thing for you to get back to moving and everyday activities to loosen your muscles.  Just check with your surgeons restrictions first.  Best of luck!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At just about 2 weeks after your surgery you will begin to feel a few different sensations.  the pin prickling is one of them and also you may start to feel as though your breasts are on fire and maybe even some sharp shooting pains may come your way.  These are all normal as the nerve endings are reattaching.  The symptoms may last a few months but they will go away.  If it is possible try not to take pain medication.  The pain meds can make your mood "low" and also cause constipation as well.  Drink lots of water and you should be feeling like yourself in no time at all.  A lot of it truly is mind over matter.Best of luck,Dr. Hisham Seify

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, this is normal and it sounds like nerve pain.  It is temporary and can feel like hot pokers, or a zapping sensation, prickly, etc.  If it is constant and not intermittent, then I would call your PS , they may put you on a nerve pain medicine for a week or two.

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

At 17 days post-operation, it is very common to feel what is best described as the nerve endings waking up. You don't need to take any medication for it, unless it is very uncomfortable. It will gradually go away over the next few weeks. If any new pains arise contact your surgeon right away. Best of luck in your recovery.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. Usually by 17 days after surgery you should be feeling pretty good overall and the pain should be minimal. As for the pin prick type of pain, that is from having your nerves stretched in order to get the implants in. Almost 100% of women have some type of sensory change in the breast. These almost always get better but may take up to a couple of months to resolve. With all of the discomfort you're still having, I would make an appointment to see your doctor to make sure there is nothing wrong. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Pricking sensation in my breasts is it normal?

Answers (7)

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