I Had a Breast Aug 10 Days Ago. I Feel a Tendon Like Tissue Coming Down. What Could This Be?

Your surgeon cuts through superficial blood vessels in making your incision; these vessels are cauterized to seal them and reduce bleeding and bruising. When the vein (or veins) are large enough, the coagulated blood within the vessel can be felt as a tender "cord" that is especially visible when the arms are raised. BTW, the clot in the superficial vessel cannot "travel" and cause any other concerns, so the soreness and palpable "tendon-like cord" are all the patient notes, and these go away as the vessel heals. This can take weeks, however.

Treatment consists of warm compresses and NSAIDS (once the risk of bleeding from the surgery is gone--ask your surgeon), or you can simply do nothing and time will heal this uneventfully.

Mondor's phlebitis (literally "vein inflammation") is so common my nurses make this diagnosis on their own before I enter the patient's exam room, which make them look smart (they are) and reassures the patient when I confirm this is no risk or concern at all! Worry not! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

It sounds like you have a condition referred to a Mondor's syndrome.  It's a clotting of a small vein under your breast and will resolve with time.  Make sure you confirm this with your surgeon.

Hi,

 

Your description could be one for a superficial thrombophlebitis (aka Mondor's vein). This could happen after surgeries where superficial veins house blood clots that will not get displaced to cause damage in other places.

This condition could be painful and usually the body takes care of it. However, making sure that what you have is actually a Mondor's vein issue is important. So it would be good for you to ask your PS to physically examine you.

Best of luck to you and thank you for your inquiry.

Dr. Sajjadian