Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take?

Question

Do breasts that have been reconstructed after mastectomy (skin/nipple sparing with implants below the pectoralis muscle and then allograft placement) really soften with time? If so, how long does it take? The breasts are now extremely firm (6 weeks post-op) and they haven't softened at all - they feel more like implants that have encapsulated! Also, the skin appears darker and redder - will it go back to its normal skin tone?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  This is a great question that is often asked.  The time certainly does vary amongst women after the procedure.  I typically tell women that it normally take approximately 2-3 months for things to settle down.  It is known that swelling is persistent up to week 6, at which time, swelling and inflammation slowly subside from that time.  I would discuss things that you can do with your plastic surgeon, including compression garments, ice packs, and implant massage, to ameliorate some of your complaints.  It is difficult to answer your question about discoloration without an examination or photo, however, there is some normal reddening after any surgical procedure.  However, an evaluation would be recommended if you have any concern, in order to rule out other causes such as infections, non-healing wounds, and necrosis.  Hope that this helps!

Rafi S. Bidros, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would give it another six weeks to see how much improvement you get but if you don't get much, it's sometimes a reaction to the allograft and you may need some fat grafting under the skin to improve the texture and color and possibly even a capsulectomy.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

As time passes the swelling in the soft tissues resolves.  This may take several months.  Discoloration can occur for a number of reasons.  A physical exam and review of your records would be necessary for a recommendation.  For my patents with the skin issue I usually will perform fat grafting.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 seen 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+

Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take?

Answers (3)

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