Could you develop Mondor's cord six months after a breast surgery? (Photo)

Question

Hi, can someone develop Mondor's cord six months after a breast surgery? I had a breast implant removal and breast lift on 3/22/16 free of any complications, and recently I was involved in a car accident on 10/7/16. My chest was struck against the steering wheel and two weeks after I noticed the cords under my left breast. Could this be due to my surgery or to the car accident? I am sorry I couldn't figure out how to rotate the picture on this site. Thanks

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Mondor's cords usually appear within several days of surgery or trauma.  So, more than likely the car accident trauma is the cause.  Warm compresses and massage may help relax the cord.  Good Luck.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your question and I hope that you are healing fine after your accident.  Typically Mondor's bands occur 1-4 weeks after surgery and are not as likely to occur late in the game.  As they appeared after car accident, it may be related to the steering wheel hitting your original incision or nearby.  Although this should settle down soon,  be sure to check in with your plastic surgeon and be examined.

Best of Luck,

Dr. K.

Could you develop Mondor's cord six months after a breast surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)