Tendon Under Armpit is Tight After Breast Implants

Question

I am 39, 5'6, 125.  I had silicone smooth overs done through the armpit.  my left has dropped and is healing nicely.  My right was more difficult to put in, more bruising after still has not dropped.  When I try and lift my right arm I can see my tendon stick out.  It is sore from my armpit to about 5 inches up my arm.  It also looks like atrophy has started on that arm.  Could my PS have cut into a tendon?  I am right handed.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The chord in your armpit is a clotted lymphatic duct.  It is not a vein nor is it a tendon.  I have done several thousand transaxillary breast augmentations and see this problem about 80% of the time.  I agree with many of the previous responders.  Ibuprofen, stretching, and time will make these clotted, redundant, unnecessary lymphatic ducts vanish.

	Don't worry.  This is very common and it will go away.

Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear 1234Me,

	What you are describing is a Mondor's cord- otherwise described as a sclerosing thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterior chest wall- it sounds far more worrisome than it typically is.

	It has about a 1% incidence after breast augmentation, and is typically self-limiting.

	I recommend to my patients it is best treated with anti-inflammatory meds (such as Ibuprofen). It usually goes away after a few weeks.

	I hope this helps,

	Sergio Pasquale Maggi, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This appears to be more of a thrombosed vein than a transected muscle. Massage and exercise should help.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The cord you are seeing may be a vein  that more than likley will resolve on its own. Massage may help and anti-inflammatories. You should  be seen by your surgeon ot advise you.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual to develop a tight tender cord across the armpit after axillary breast augmentation. It's not a damaged tendon. 

	This will get better as you continue to heal, but I do recommend some stretching and massage to speed up the resolution:

	
		Stand next to a wall
	
		extend your arm as high above you as you can; if it helps, "walk your finger up the wall for a better stretch
	
		lean toward the wall to further stretch your arm 
	
		at the same time, use your opposite hand to massage the tight cord
	
		continue to lean a bit more into the wall


	Do this for 2 or 3 minutes, at least 4 or 5 times each day, more often, if possible.

	Be patient: it will take several weeks to get the cord resolved!

Tendon Under Armpit is Tight After Breast Implants

Answers (5)

Answer: Axillary implant insertion

Answer: Axillary implant insertion

Answer: Armpit Cord after Breast Augmentation will get better

Answer: Armpit Cord after Breast Augmentation will get better

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Tendon Under Armpit is Tight After Breast Implants

Answers (5)

Answer: Axillary implant insertion

Answer: Axillary implant insertion

Answer: Armpit Cord after Breast Augmentation will get better

Answer: Armpit Cord after Breast Augmentation will get better

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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