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?
Answer: Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take? 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!
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Answer: Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take? 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!
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Answer: Breast Reconstruction - Post-op healing 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.
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Answer: Breast Reconstruction - Post-op healing 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.
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March 30, 2014
Answer: Breast reconstruction 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
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March 30, 2014
Answer: Breast reconstruction 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
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