Had a double mastectomy- June 4, 2015. Help! What can I do to ease the muscle spasms?

Question

Going through reconstruction- expander under the muscle. I am having muscle spasms. What can I do to ease the muscle spasms?

Manish C. Champaneria, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Spasms can be common after tissue expander based breast reconstruction. I recommend a muscle relaxer, such as Valium or Robaxin, to help with this issue. In our practice, we use Botox in the pectorals muscle to reduce muscle spasm and pain.Regards,Manish Champaneria, MD

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

This is normal and can be helped with muscle relaxers. Contact your plastic surgeon to see which option would be best for you.

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

Several methods to help combat spasm can be helpful-- gentle, yoga-type stretching or massage by a lymphedema specialist is often effective.  Valium or some other mild muscle relaxant often helps as well.  Botox injected into the pectoralis muscle may be effective over the longer term, but is still being studied and is typically not reimbursed by insurers.  Hope this helps!--Erik Hoy, M.D.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Muscle spasm can happen during the inflation of the tissue expander. You may want to go in small volumes and longer intervals between fillings. Pain med, or muscle relaxers. Recently some doctors have used Botox (Not covered by insurance, and still in study).

Had a double mastectomy- June 4, 2015. Help! What can I do to ease the muscle spasms?

Answers (4)

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