Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Question

When I flex my left chest muscle, the incision site under my nipple dimples inward. I noticed after my 2 week post op exam that under the incision there is this "knot". I do not think that it is scar tissue. Could it be dissolvable stitches underneath? The dimpling is exactly where the "knot" is. My right breast does not do this. My right breast has not "dropped" completely yet either. But my left hasn't moved since the day after surgery or at least not much. Should I be worried?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

You likely have scar tissue that is involved between your skin and the capsule (shell) around your implant. I would recommend massaging for now since it's still early from your surgery-the scar tissue may still soften. If this persists for several more months, you will likely need surgery to separate the scar tissue from its attachments to the skin.

	Consult with your plastic surgeon for a more in depth examination.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

You have most likely developed scar tissue between the undersurface of the skin and the chest muscle. That is probably the knot that you feel. You need vigorous massage to break up the scar. If you do not do this or if the scar dose not respond to this you will likely need surgery to divide the scar between skin and muscle.

	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

In breast augmentation with implants under the muscle using the dual plane technique, a portion of the pectoralis muscle is cut from its attachment to the rib cage. This is necessary because the point of attachment is higher than the bottom edge of the breast, so the implant would sit much too high; releasing the muscle attachment opens up space for the implant to sit. (That is why it is called dual-plane; the lower part of the implant is under the breast, upper part covered by muscle.) The problem that can arise is that the cut end of the muscle heals into the scar capsule, so when you flex you can see pulling. This can be either at the edge of the areola as the pictures you posted show, or lower, where it can also form a "double bubble." It is still early in the post-op period so it may improve with time. If not, you may consider converting to a split-muscle technique.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

No way for me to know for sure with a formal exam, but it is my opinion that the "knot" that you are feeling is most likely some sutures used at surgery.  The indentation you note with muscle activity may be some scar tissue setting up in this area.  This may go away on its own, but discuss with your surgeon if he/she is open to you doing massage in the area at this time to possibly help the tissue settle down a bit earlier.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The "knot" you are feeling is probably the sutures from within that holds the soft tissue together while it heals.  The indentation may or may not get better with time. Usually it improves.  It may need to be revised but give it time.

Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answers (8)

Answer: Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answer: Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answer: Scar indentation after surgery

Answer: Scar indentation after surgery

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Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answers (8)

Answer: Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answer: Left Nipple Dimpling Inward when I Flex Chest Muscle Muscle at 25 Days Post Op. Should I Be Worried?

Answer: Scar indentation after surgery

Answer: Scar indentation after surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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