Unable to wear a bra without pain. What can I do?

Question

I had implant revision with fat transfer for added cleavage look. I am 8 months post op and everything looks good and I'm feeling ok. I have an issue that I can't resolve. I am unable to find a bra that fits me. I have been professionally fitted two times. I can wear the bra for about an hour and then I have pain. Neck pain, shoulder pain, nerve pain. This is all very frustrating to me. I went from 275 to 425 CC. I don't know what to do.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant revision: choosing a bra that fits; ongoing pain.

Factors to consider when choosing the ideal implant size and profile:

It's important to consider body height, size and weight, the shape of the chest wall (do the ribs overly project; is the chest sunken, wide or asymmetric?)  Do you have a thin body frame or are you more “full-bodied”?  Consider your chest, waist and hip measurements, so that your beast changes can be in proportion to your body. What are the characteristics of your breast tissue and skin?  Recent weight loss or weight gain may be important.

It is typical for a patient to come into the office saying that they do not know their bra size.  50% who know their size are wrong after I measure them.  Many patients tell me the cup size they want, frequently they tell me what size implant their friend had for her surgery.

Neck and shoulder pain indicates that your breast may be too large and heavy or not the right support even with a professional fitting.  You may want to consider seeing a physical therapist, to strengthen the muscle groups supporting your breasts.  Also, a pain management doctor for the nerve pain which is a little more complex. You may require oral, or topical medication and injections or acupuncture may assist.
Sorry you are having problems.
DR  Horowitz

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your neck and shoulder pain is probably from getting implants too large and heavy for your frame. I would suggest going down in size to at least 350 cc's. With smaller implants, you should be able to find bras that fit and your neck and shoulders will thank you.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your situation sounds quite complex.
The symptoms you describe are not typical for breast augmentation surgery.
Many women with large breast are symptomatic with neck and back pain.
Does dynamics of having larger breast implants is very different than having large natural breast.
 The biggest differentiating variable is that implants sit on the rib cage and are supported by the pectoralis muscle, whereas natural large breast pull from the shoulders.
It is a very different force vector and large implants typically do not cause the physiological symptoms associated with having excessively large breast.
We can’t really tell you if your symptoms is related to the procedure, but would you describe does not sound typical or common at all.
In my opinion, this is more likely coincidental, and I suggest you get a work up by a pain specialist, or a neurologist, who will most likely be far better at assessing, diagnosing, and potentially treating your pain disorder than a plastic surgeon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Unable to wear a bra without pain. What can I do?

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Unable to wear a bra without pain. What can I do?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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