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Muscle Inflammation After Breast Implants and Reconstruction

asked 3 years ago by tnewtum in WA
Latest answer by Lavinia Chong, MD
Question viewed 1,669 times
Tags: inflammation

I had a mastectomy in September. I underwent reconstruction. I have an inflammatory response in my muscle and a deep aching pain everytime I use my arm after being implanted with 220 cc Breast implant (under muscle) to match my reconstructed side. I had a scar tissue removed during the surgery, due to having implants removed ten years ago. I am 2 months 10 days post op. My physical therapy only made inflammation worse. What could be wrong?

2 answers to Muscle Inflammation After Breast Implants and Reconstruction

+1

Inflammation in the non cancerous breast

Did you have a drain placed, at the time your noncancerous breast had a balancing breast augmentation and capsulectomy (scar tissue removal)? You describe classic symptoms of redness, heat, pain, swelling and loss of function, which sounds like inflammation, at the minimum and possibly infection, at the worst. Most of us do recommend antibiotics for approximately 7days, as guided by culture results. I would have a heart to heart with your PS and ask for a candid evaluation. It sounds... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Were any tissue grafts utulized in your breast reconstruction?

Have you tried antiinflammatory agents? Occasionally, allogeneic/xenogeneic materials are utilized in breast reconstruction to support the lower pole of the breast which can result in a prolonged inflammatory response characterized by overlying skin redness and increased tendencies for seroma formation. Inquire as to whether these type of materials were utilized in your reconstruction. Generally tis tends to resolve with time (3-6 months).
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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