Will these mondors cords that run down my arm cause any complications? (photo)

Hello,Thank you for your question. I recommend that you continue to follow up closely with your Plastic Surgeon and report any changes such as loss of sensation or skin temperature. Typically, this is a superficial issue which does respond well to warm compresses and NSAIDSAll the best

Mondor's cord usually refers to a thrombosed superficial vein found below the breast after augmentation.  They typically respond well to warm compresses and NSAIDs and will resolve within a few days.  Your situation sounds atypical.  I would recommend close follow-up with your surgeon.  An ultrasound could help to determine if there is a thrombosis in the deeper veins in the axillary region.

They are a self limiting process that takes time to heal.  Follow your surgeon's guidance and you will recover with out any issues.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguhci, MD

Warm compresses and NSAIDs and just tincture of time are usually the treatment for non- complicated Mondor's Cord following breast augmentation.  Your case sounds a little atypical however with the extent of the involvement down to your wrist and with the elbow contracture.  The clotting and inflammation of a superficial vein (which is what Mondor's Cord is) usually does not affect the perfusion (or arterial blood flow) to your extremities.  Veins function to direct venous blood flow back to your heart.  If a deeper vein of an extremity does get clotted, it will cause the extremity to swell and become painful.  This would be a much more serious condition and needs to be treated right away.  A venous ultrasound study would help to rule out a clot in a larger vein of the involved extremity. I would recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon very closely to make sure that this is not the case.  Best wishes. 

Mondor's cords are a superficial thrombophlebitis that are typically found on the under aspect of the breast.  I occasionally see this after breast surgery and I have my patient's use warm compresses.  I have seen this after transaxillary breast augmentation.  I would meet with your surgeon so you can be evaluated.  I would expect this to get better. Good luck!Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing; it is somewhat more significant than what I have seen in my practice. Make sure that your plastic surgeon is aware of your situation. Best wishes.

Mondor’s disease usually refers to thrombophlebitis
of veins running beneath the breasts. This causes a vertical cord or band in
the upper abdomen. But I have seen the kind of thrombophlebitis in the axilla
that you are describing after transaxillary augmentation. It will go away and
will not cause any adverse effect. I would suggest you apply warm compresses to
the area and when the swelling and discomfort subside start doing range of motion
exercises to prevent your shoulder from tightening up. You should do fine!