Following a Double Masectomy I Found Putting a Warm Hot Water Bottle on my Chest at Night Helps Relieve the Pain. Is This OK?

Question

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If the bottle is warm to the touch by a finger, then placement on the chest may not be unreasonable.  However, relying upon the skin of the chest to determine pain threshold can result in a burn.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Often the skin of the breast area has diminished sensation after mastectomy, so if you apply a hot water bottle that is too hot you can cause a burn without feeling it. Check with your surgeon.

Robert Ferguson, MD · Answer

There will be diminished to no sensation at the mastectomy site.  You will not have any feedback as to the temperature of the hot water bottle.  I would not recommend it as you are at risk for being burned as well as possibly increasing bleeding/bruising.  If you do place something warm there, check it frequently with a part of your body that is sensitive (such as the cheek) rather than skin that is thicker or callous (such as the palm).  Be careful.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Never put any source of heat on operated skin.

	The skin will burn and can cause major problems

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would be extremely careful with a hot water bottle on the skin of the chest because it will have diminished sensation and you may get a burn. I saw a patient once who did just that. Best to ask your doctor.

Following a Double Masectomy I Found Putting a Warm Hot Water Bottle on my Chest at Night Helps Relieve the Pain. Is This OK?

Answers (5)

Answer: Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy and how water bottle

Answer: Mastectomy and how water bottle

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Following a Double Masectomy I Found Putting a Warm Hot Water Bottle on my Chest at Night Helps Relieve the Pain. Is This OK?

Answers (5)

Answer: Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy and how water bottle

Answer: Mastectomy and how water bottle

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.