Peripheral nerve surgery restores sensation and relieves pain from damaged or disorganized nerves after surgery or trauma. At the Pennsylvania Institute for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stephen Lu treats post-mastectomy pain syndrome and neuromas that develop after breast reconstruction, using microsurgical techniques like nerve grafting, capping, and targeted muscle reinnervation to restore comfort and support lasting resensation and nerve reconstruction.
Relieve pain caused by damaged or trapped nerves
Peripheral nerve surgery is a specialized procedure that repairs or redirects damaged nerves responsible for pain, numbness, or loss of function. Many reconstruction patients experience painful neuromas or post-mastectomy pain syndrome, particularly along the lateral chest or bra line, where nerves were injured or disrupted during mastectomy. Dr. Stephen Lu uses advanced microsurgical techniques to precisely locate and treat these nerves, relieving chronic pain and restoring sensation. Through procedures such as nerve grafting or targeted muscle reinnervation, he reroutes nerve signals to promote lasting comfort and function.
Peripheral nerve surgery treats:
- Painful neuromas following mastectomy or breast reconstruction
- Post-mastectomy pain syndrome causing chronic chest wall discomfort
- Nerve compression or entrapment after surgery or trauma
- Loss of sensation or function due to nerve injury
- Phantom limb pain following limb loss or amputation
- Facial nerve damage or paralysis
- Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve pain affecting comfort or mobility
Your peripheral nerve surgery options
Excision with nerve capping/grafting
This procedure involves carefully removing the damaged or overgrown portion of a nerve, called a neuroma, to eliminate the source of pain. After excision, Dr. Lu uses a specialized nerve cap or nerve graft to protect the nerve ending and promote organized healing. A nerve cap prevents disorganized regrowth, while a graft guides reconnection with healthy tissue, reducing pain and recurrence. This approach is often used to treat lateral chest or bra-line neuromas that develop after mastectomy or breast reconstruction.
Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR)
Targeted muscle reinnervation is an advanced nerve reconstruction technique that reroutes sensory nerves, those that might otherwise form painful neuromas, into nearby motor nerves or muscles, giving them “somewhere to go and something to do.” This calms misdirected signals, easing chronic nerve pain. TMR can be performed during breast revision surgery to treat post-mastectomy pain, and it can complement breast resensation techniques to restore sensory feeling and improve long-term quality of life.
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI)
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery is another form of nerve reconstruction used to treat damaged or painful peripheral nerves. The procedure involves implanting the cut end of a nerve into a small piece of muscle tissue, creating a biological “target” for nerve fibers to grow into. This helps prevent painful neuroma formation. RPNI can also be used alongside nerve reconstruction or resensation techniques to promote healthy nerve regeneration.
Advantages of peripheral nerve surgery:
- Relieves chronic nerve pain after mastectomy or breast reconstruction
- Treats painful neuromas and prevents them from recurring
- Restores sensation and comfort through advanced nerve reconstruction techniques
- Complements breast resensation procedures to improve sensory recovery
- Reduces post-mastectomy pain with targeted methods such as TMR or RPNI
- Provides long-lasting results through precise, microsurgical treatment tailored to each patient
Meet Dr. Stephen Lu
Dr. Stephen Lu is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with subspecialty training in microsurgery, craniofacial, and pediatric surgery. Trained in Manhattan, he brings his big-city expertise to Pennsylvania with a small-town, compassionate approach. Nationally recognized for excellence in reconstructive outcomes, Dr. Lu is trusted by breast reconstruction patients and other physicians seeking relief from post-mastectomy pain. Schedule your consultation to learn how Dr. Lu can help you feel whole again.
