How taut should skin be during double incision mastectomy recovery & what to do if the skin remains excessively taut?

Question

2 wks ago – double incision mastectomy w/nipple grafts 1st wk – was a good "t-rex" 2nd wk – able to stretch arms to front & sides, but barely able to get hands up to the side of my head – absolutely no way I could have gotten a t-shirt on! Early 3rd wk – can fully stretch arms to front & sides, but still can't stretch up or even wash my hair & am finding myself HUNCHING because of how vertically taut my chest skin is! Normal or is there something I should be doing to stretch/relax my skin?

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
It is difficult to tell without seeing photos, but skin tightness and swelling can take up to 2-3 months to resolve and final wound healing can take up to 1 year to be completed after surgery.
I would definitely discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel slightly taut in the first 1-2 weeks due to the skin being closed tightly in addition to a peak in your edema/swelling, but your chest should start to feel looser to the point of little to no tension when standing up straight by the 2nd to 3rd week post surgery. I would advise bringing this up with your surgeon to ensure that you are healing normally.

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi,Thanks for the post but photos would have helped give a more directed answer. Tautness is not unusual in the first few weeks though you do seem to be on one side of the curve in regards to this. The good thing is that you are regaining function as opposed to no change in function or even worse, losing function. I anticipate this to continue to improve. Consult your plastic surgeon regarding massages and especially more aggressive stretching. The one thing with over stretching early on is that it could lead to widening of the horizontal scars. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Alexes Hazen, MD · Answer

Hi there! Its unusual to have such a tight result that you cant stand up straight after three weeks.  Sometimes things feel excessively tight due to swelling.  I recommend massage and light stretching (ask your surgeon) and when my patients have not regained normal range of motion by 3 weeks post op I have them go to a Physical Therapist for stretching and range of motion exercises!

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to provide a complete answer without photographs or an exam. Regardless, some of the best double incision results are quite tight initially and soften over weeks to months. It is definitely too early to make any final determination as to your result. Ensure you have appropriate follow up with your plastic surgeon.

How taut should skin be during double incision mastectomy recovery & what to do if the skin remains excessively taut?

Answers (5)

Answer: SKIN TIGHT AFTER FTM DOUBLE INCISION MASTECTOMY

Answer: SKIN TIGHT AFTER FTM DOUBLE INCISION MASTECTOMY

Answer: Will likely continue to improve

Answer: Will likely continue to improve

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How taut should skin be during double incision mastectomy recovery & what to do if the skin remains excessively taut?

Answers (5)

Answer: SKIN TIGHT AFTER FTM DOUBLE INCISION MASTECTOMY

Answer: SKIN TIGHT AFTER FTM DOUBLE INCISION MASTECTOMY

Answer: Will likely continue to improve

Answer: Will likely continue to improve

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Masculinizing Top Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.