Tenting in my lower sternum that appears as arms raise. Is this correctable without surgery? Are my implants too large? (Photo)

Question

10 days post-op. Full P 385cc Natrelle submuscle. Recovery has been excruciating. I had thick muscular pecs. The day of surgery I felt a strong burning sensation in my sternal area. There was a pocket of fluid that would disappear when depressed. My PS told me he had injected some local anesthesia into the pockets. The needle wounds were lateral to the bump, I figured it was temporary. At 1wk post I I began to see as my arms raise the skin detaches from my sternum. What are my best options?

Frederick W. Ehret, MD · Answer

I don't know that your implants are too large but the size of your implants are probably contributing to your pain and tenting the most. I do not think that the injection of Local caused the banding/tenting that you are experiencing. The volume of your implants will always stretch your tissues, the bigger the implants the more the stretch. In my experience, this will most often  improve with time as your tissues relax to accommodate your new implants. There is one thing that you could do, probably best under the direction of your treating Plastic Surgeon, to maximize your chances for improvement. I would recommend a cylindrical dressing to be placed in your cleavage area and compressed firmly against your sternum with your postoperative compression vest/bra. For the cylindrical compression dressing a roll of Coban often works well.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Tenting between my breast?Congratulations on your recent breast augmentation surgery. The early results look quite beautiful! I don’t think you need to worry about the tent in between your breast. I think this is just swelling and should get dramatically better over the next few weeks. However you should discuss this condition with your plastic surgeon and make sure they’re aware of the situation and they can give you appropriate recommendations and treatment plans in the future!Once again, congratulations and good luck! Dr. Aldo

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD · Answer

The tenting is unusual, but I would bet that it will settle down with more time, so be patient.  I don't think the injections had anything to do with it.  It does not look like a symmastia situation, and the implants otherwise look good for 10 days out.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

In my 26 years, I have not heard of this or seen one such as yours.  If due to the implant size, this should flatten as your tissues stretch out.  An exam would help determine etiology and suggestions on how best to manage this.  I do not think it would persist so try to be patient and let your surgeon do the worrying for you since no surgeon would want this outcome.

Tenting in my lower sternum that appears as arms raise. Is this correctable without surgery? Are my implants too large? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Transverse sternal traction band after augmentation?

Answer: Transverse sternal traction band after augmentation?

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Tenting in my lower sternum that appears as arms raise. Is this correctable without surgery? Are my implants too large? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Transverse sternal traction band after augmentation?

Answer: Transverse sternal traction band after augmentation?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Natrelle Breast Implants

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