Ask a doctor

Could I have moved something from my DIEP flap surgery 10 years ago that is causing this pain?

I had a DIEP flap 10 years ago and while scrubbing my tub I felt this pain and pop in upper rib area underneath my reconstructed breast. My pain still is there and I am having trouble getting comfortable. Could I have moved something that is causing this pain?

Doctor Answers 5

DIEP flap Reconstruction

September 13th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is best to be seen and examined.  It is more common to have musculoskeletal problem than an issue with the flap.
Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS
September 13th, 2016

DIEP flap Reconstruction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is best to be seen and examined.  It is more common to have musculoskeletal problem than an issue with the flap.
Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

Possible sternum contusions

September 11th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The common practice for DIEP flap is to remove part of the rib to expose the blood vessels for microsurgical anastomoses. You may have pulled the chest muscles attached to ribs. Please see your surgeon o make sure that everything ok. 
Kamran Khoobehi, MD
September 11th, 2016

Possible sternum contusions

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The common practice for DIEP flap is to remove part of the rib to expose the blood vessels for microsurgical anastomoses. You may have pulled the chest muscles attached to ribs. Please see your surgeon o make sure that everything ok. 
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

Rib pain after DIEP

September 11th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I think you should go get evaluated, and likely get a chest Xray to check your rib alignment.  I imagine this would get better on its own, but when we do these surgeries, there is typically a small amount of rib resected near the sternum to expose the blood vessels we need to hook into.  So, it's not inconceivable something could have popped or strained.

Cain R. Linville, MD
September 11th, 2016

Rib pain after DIEP

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I think you should go get evaluated, and likely get a chest Xray to check your rib alignment.  I imagine this would get better on its own, but when we do these surgeries, there is typically a small amount of rib resected near the sternum to expose the blood vessels we need to hook into.  So, it's not inconceivable something could have popped or strained.

Cain R. Linville, MD

Breast reconstruction and new pain

September 11th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
If you have new onset pain even ten years out from surgery, then you are probably best to see your surgeon to be evaluated. 

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/breast-reconstruction/

Steven Wallach, MD
September 11th, 2016

Breast reconstruction and new pain

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
If you have new onset pain even ten years out from surgery, then you are probably best to see your surgeon to be evaluated. 

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/breast-reconstruction/

Steven Wallach, MD

DIEP

September 11th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
You could have pulled a muscle or the pop was from scar tissue.  It would be best to have your doctor examine you.
Anh Lee, MD

Anh Lee, MD
El Paso Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

September 11th, 2016

DIEP

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
You could have pulled a muscle or the pop was from scar tissue.  It would be best to have your doctor examine you.
Anh Lee, MD

Anh Lee, MD
El Paso Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.