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Persistent pain and sensory changes following cosmetic breast augmentation
Marie L von Sperling1, Hilde Høimyr, Kenneth Finnerup
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University, Denmark.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|August 24, 2010
Summary
Persistent pain and sensory changes are common after cosmetic breast augmentation. Neuropathic pain should be considered, and patients need preoperative information on these risks.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pain Medicine
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Persistent postsurgical pain is a known complication of cosmetic breast augmentation.
- Underlying mechanisms for this pain remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of sensory changes and chronic pain after cosmetic breast augmentation.
- To identify potential causes of postsurgical pain.
Main Methods:
- A detailed questionnaire was sent to 142 patients who underwent cosmetic breast augmentation between 2004 and 2009.
- Ninety-five patients (66.9%) responded, with a mean age of 34.2 years and mean time since operation of 31.8 months.
Main Results:
- 44.2% of patients reported postsurgical pain, with 6.3% regretting the surgery due to pain.
- 75.8% experienced sensory changes, and hypoesthesia/hyperesthesia increased pain risk.
- 62% had touch-evoked pain, and 38% met criteria for neuropathic pain.
Conclusions:
- Sensory changes and persistent pain are frequent after cosmetic breast augmentation, negatively affecting patient satisfaction and daily life.
- Neuropathic pain is a likely component and should be considered in patient management.
- Informing patients preoperatively about the risks of sensory changes and chronic pain is crucial.
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