Is it normal to have pain & strong muscle spasms under the Breast Reconstruction incision (more towards rib cage area)?

Question

just startex yesterday

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle spasms can be common after placement of an implant or
expander under the muscle.It will get
better every day.Physical therapy,
stretching and medications for spasms can help.Also, BOTOX can be beneficial as it is injected directly into the
muscle.

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

It is very normal to have this type of pain following breast reconstruction with a tissue expander or implant.   In fact, I think most of the pain following this surgery is from the muscle being stretched due to the device underneath it.  Muscle relaxants, such as valium, can be a very effective medication for this type of pain.   Rest assured, it will get better every day.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience discomfort due to muscle stretching during the course of reconstruction after a mastectomy.  Commonly in this discomfort is noted adjacent to the breast bone.  It is often worse right after addition of fluid to tissue expanders if they are present.  As the muscle relaxes this discomfort generally subsides.  In the meantime muscle relaxers such as Flexeril can be used to help the discomfort.

Timothy Connall, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need to see your surgeon to get a specific answer. Many types of pain and spasm can occur after breast reconstruction, that are a normal part of the healing process.  Such issues typically improve with time.Best wishes.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Pain is expected after any breast reconstruction surgery.  It is not possible to determine if this is abnormal.  Check with your plastic surgeon on this issue.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Possibly but it's really hard to say with this information alone, not knowing what type of reconstruction you had or the time frame. I think it's best if you phone your plastic surgeon's office to describe your symptoms--they are in the best position to discuss whether or not it's normal and if you need to be evaluated in person. Feel better!

Is it normal to have pain & strong muscle spasms under the Breast Reconstruction incision (more towards rib cage area)?

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Leaving tissue expanders in after double mastectomy. Is this normal?

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