Is it normal to still feel pain/discomfort where they stitched my side pockets mostly on the right side of breast after 5 weeks?

Question

Still have pains and discomfort burning sensation where they stitched me on side pockets. Mostly on right breast after 5 weeks. I'm so concern and it's giving very bad anxiety and panic attacks. Also it hurts like a bad bruise. Scared to lift up my arm too high.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Internal breast capsule sutures (capsulorrhaphy) are a way to reduce the size of the breast pocket if it is too large.  These sutures are often anchored along the ribcage as well as the chest muscles.  These sutures make you sore.  There is no easy way to avoid this discomfort, but know that the sutures are there to do a job.  The discomfort will get gradually less and it is quite common for one side to be more uncomfortable than the other.  I tell my patients that these aches and pains can last up to 2-3 months after surgery, gradually improving with each passing week.  Best of luck

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Side pocket sutures can be uncomfortable for several months. At this point you can increase your range of motion and this may help.  Please keep a close follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hang in there! As long as the shape and feel are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there are any compression garments, stretches or massaging exercises that can help speed your recovery.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have some residual discomfort after 4-5 weeks of surgery particularly on the sides of the breasts. This is related to the innervation of the nipple and skin of the breast. Nerves to that region arise from the side of the breast. i would recommend to continue shoulder exercises and follow up with your PS soon.

Samuel Sohn, MD · Answer

Dear hopegirl,It is normal to still some some discomfort and burning after performance of a lateral capsulorrhaphy at five weeks out.  This should continue to gradually improve over time.  In addition, you ability to move your arms should also gradually improve over time.  Usually by 5 weeks, most patients would have almost full to full range of motion with their arms after this type of surgery - if you are being too ginger with the arm motion, it can cause more discomfort with motions as you continue to heal.  Regardless, listen to the recommendations from your operating surgeon, and follow their guidelines for activity and postoperative follow-up evaluations.  Good luck with the recovery.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort after tacking sutures are placed inside the breast pockets. The pain usually subsides with in the first few weeks, but it is not uncommon for it to persist longer. You don't want to immobilize your arms this far out from surgery. You should begin to start moving and extending your arms, but do so slowly and with caution. Wearing a supportive bra is imperative if you aren't already doing so. The support will help take the weight off tacked area and should provide you with more relief in time. If you notice any abnormal swelling on the right side, and/or redness, fever or drainage from the incision site you should contact your PS immediately.

Is it normal to still feel pain/discomfort where they stitched my side pockets mostly on the right side of breast after 5 weeks?

Answers (6)

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