After Mentor Implant Removal 10 Days Ago my Incisions Are Very Thick and Feel Like a Rope, Normal?

asked 9 months ago by TM in CO
Latest answer by Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Question viewed 135 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, incision, normal

Is that normal due to all the manipulation it takes to remove the implants and capsules? Everything feels and looks fine otherwise. Just concerned about the scars. Implants were removed after 23 years and were very calcified.

6 answers to After Mentor Implant Removal 10 Days Ago my Incisions Are Very Thick and Feel Like a Rope, Normal?

Scarring after cosmetic surgery can be helped with massage

Scarring after cosmetic surgery, especially breast surgery, can be helped with daily massage. Mederma is also very good for scars.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Removal - After Mentor Implant Removal 10 Days Ago my Incisions Are Very Thick and Feel Like a Rope, Normal?

It sounds pretty normal, and usual wound care should be adequate (you should, of course, touch base with your plastic surgeon on this and any similar issues). It is, in fact, common to have swelling, thickness, itchiness, etc., and that should settle down on its own. That entire process typically takes at least several weeks, and up to several months for all of it. So you have to be patient but, fortunately, it sounds like you're headed in the right direction. Any... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Scarring after breast surgery

Based on your description, I think what you're experiencing is normal at the 10 day postoperative day. Scars generally may take months to years to soften/mature. If you develop any findings other than what you've described you should see your surgeon for advice. Otherwise the scar appearance and feel should get better with time. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Scars early after surgery

The incisions used for surgery may feel firm a few weeks afterwards. In most cases they soften with time, But if they feel firm and/or are growing harder, you may want to see your doctor to make sure things are going smoothly.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Thick-feeling scars are normal early post-op!

Not only are dissolving sutures present in the deeper layers of the sutured skin (whether or not there are any on the surface that need removal), but you also have extensive edema (swelling) in recently-operated tissues. All scars are firm, somewhat raised, and red to pink after surgery, and they take an average of 7 months (6-12 months for most) to soften, settle, and fade. Keep your pink scars out of any ultraviolet exposure (sun or tanning beds) for as long as they are pink, or... more