I am 11 weeks post op. I still have daily pain in my right breast. Is this normal?

Question

The pain is not constant. It comes and goes many times each day. Sometimes it feels like a pulled muscle and sometimes like a nerve is being pinched. Can this be related to being right handed and using the muscles on my right side to lift, push, pull, etc? The pain is across the right side of my right breast, not at the scar sight, and occurs whether I am resting or doing something active, like playing tennis. Will this eventually stop? Is there anything else I can do to eliminate the pain?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have occasional pain or discomfort as you are healing and your nerves are regenerating. This can be prolonged if you had more extensive surgery or tacking of your breast tissue to your ribs, etc. I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon for an examination as he/she will know what might be causing this discomfort and how to manage it best. In addition, an examination to make sure everything is healing as planned would be warranted. This should improve over time. In the mean time, massaging that area will help with desensitization. #PlasticSurgery #BreastReduction #Healing #Recovery

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for the question. As you heal from your surgery, your nerves are growing back what was removed, while this happens your nerves will often send signals to the brain even though nothing is wrong. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon if you have any further questions.All the best,Dr. Results

Jennifer Capla, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The pain that you described can be normal as scar tissue is forming and nerves are regenerating. Sometimes massaging the area and desensitizing the discomfort may help. I would first check with your surgeon to make sure everything is healing ok and ask their opinion before starting. Best of luck.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

During a breast reduction procedure, thousands of small nerves are transected (cut).  Most, but not all of these nerves will regenerate with time.  Nerves grow at a very slow pace and it may take 9 months to a year for the nerves to return to normal.  During this time the nerves will give out different signals, like a short circuit in a wire, numbness, burning, pain, etc.  Until the nerve totally regenerates these feelings will persist, be patient and re-evaluate in 6 months.Good Luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Pain at 11 weeks is a bit unusual, but can be possible as obviously you are experiencing some. Best to have it checked out by your surgeon.

I am 11 weeks post op. I still have daily pain in my right breast. Is this normal?

Answers (5)