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

   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

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.

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.