I had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction feb 5 2014 and still in pain. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with alloderm and tissue expanders placed under the muscle and was filled to 500cc per breast during this procedure, and still having horrible pain.I am on Robaxin and Percocet 5. I will get my last 2 drains out and will be expanded. I reallyhurt bad.I love my PS but am afraid of asking for a pain meds, I fear of being labeled pain pill seeker.I am swollen and I look like I have a uni boob up to my collar bones. Is this all normal?please help

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  At one month postoperative from your initial procedure and reconstruction, it is not uncommon to have some discomfort following this procedure at this time.  Your photos do not demonstrate any worrisome causes for your pain (e.g., hematoma, infection, etc.).  However, I would discuss your pain with your plastic surgeon as it is typical that despite your recent procedures, that your pain/discomfort should continue to improve  and not worsen.  It does appear that you have some expected swelling, but not any undue swelling or tension.  I would expect this to subside and your tissue expanders to settle.  I would not be shy in asking for additional medications if you need them, for many women require them for a couple weeks to months following this procedure.  You can discuss clearly the pains that you are having and that will assist your surgeon in letting you know if it is normal postoperative pain or other issues that should be addressed.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes for an excellent result and relief of your complaints!

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

I am sorry you have continuous pain.  I am doubtful this can completely resolve.  Inflation of the expanders usually will not make this resolve.  Please speak to your surgeon to try and resolve this issue.  Three
basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue,
implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can
be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting.
Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are
started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are
placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final
time consists of combining any of the above techniques.

If
you are interested in being see in Austin please give us a call.  I know
this is a difficult time for you.  The majority of my practice is devoted
to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+

I had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction feb 5 2014 and still in pain. Is this normal? (Photo)

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