Painful pull under left breast three months post-op. What could this be?

This is not a muscle at all.  It is a coagulated vein that sometimes occurs after breast augmentation called Mondor's cord. There is nothing dangerous about it.  I can be treated with aspirin, warm compressed and massage.  The vein, which no longer has blood flowing through it, is now just a scar.  The scar is only a problem because it causes constriction.  I massage the scar out to break it into small segments of scar so that it no longer is painful and constricting.

Thank you for your question.  The description of a tight line of skin that is painful under your breast sounds like a Mondor cord.  This is fairly common with patients after surgery and will usually resolve over time.  This condition is not dangerous or chronic.  To alleviate the discomfort, you may massage, warm compresses and ibuprofen can help. 

Great question! You have what appears to be Mondor's disease, which is a fancy diagnostic term for a vein that has inflamed or clotted after breast surgery, so you are right on with your description. There isn't really a great treatment for this as it resolves by itself in most cases. I have found ibuprofen helpful in the interim for pain and inflammation. Best of luck!

Thanks for your question.Based on your photos alone, you appear to have a Mondor's cord. It's common after  BA. Try a warm compress. However, please see your surgeon if you are still concerned.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Regards,

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Your photograph and description indicate that you have what is referred to as Mondor's Cord.  Inflammed tissue that causes a sometimes painful vein or cord.  My advice would be apply warm soaks and take over the counter pain medication.  Always best to follow the specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

This is a blood clot in a tiny vein. It is fairly common. Woman often get this without any prior surgery. It will go away on its own.

Dear kmiller1008,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question.  Sometimes an inflamed vein called a Mondor's cord can occur after breast surgery.  The problem resolves with warm compresses and anti-inflammatory medications.  I'd suggest contacting your surgeon so they can do a proper assessment and confirm the diagnosis.

Hi and thanks for the question and photo. It is hard to tell exactly what's going on from your photo. Is the vertical line we see and incision? You can have scar tissue that is adherent to your chest wall causing discomfort. You can also have a small clotted vein that is giving you these symptoms. Your best option is to have an exam in person with your ps. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

This is a non-dangerous process called Mondor’s cord. It is rare but can occur after breast surgery due to normal inflammation. The tissue becomes inflammed and can cause superficial veins to clot. This creates a painful “cord” and is usually best treated with warm compress and motrin. See your PS if the issue doesn’t resolve in a couple weeks or if you develop warmth or redness in the area.