Vertical Lines Under Crease and Pulling After Breast Augmentation? (photo)

Question

I had a BA almost three weeks ago, and am noticing vertical lines under the crease, particularly when I raise my hands. They are painful, but not excruciating, but do cause some discomfort when I am wearing a bra. I feel a pulling sensation as well where the lines are located. What is the best treatment for this condition, and how long should I continue that treatment? The incision area is also really bumpy when I push down on it, however the skin feels smooth....is this normal?

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for posting pictures, it is very helpful in answering your question.  These lines are from tension from the deep sutures closing the incision.  When you raise your arms, it increases the tension and makes the "string look" under your skin.  These are dissolvable sutures and will disappear as the suture dissolves - likely 4 to 8 weeks.

	 

	Good Luck.

Craig S. Rock, MD, FACS · Answer

The lines you are seeing may be the result of inflammation and clotting of some small veins under the skin which may have been cut during your breast augmentation (a form of "Mondor's disease"). They usually resolve on their own; anti-inflammatories and warm compresses may be helpful once you have healed. I would recommend that you see your plastic surgeon, who can perform a physical exam and recommend treatment appropriate for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Your photographs demonstrate Mondor's veins ( inflamed veins). Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to making accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.   The use of anti-inflammatories and warm compresses may be helpful to expedite resolution (check with your plastic surgeon).  Resolution of this inflammatory process may take several weeks/months.Best wishes.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

This condition is termed Mondor's disease and is not uncommon after a breast augmentation using the inframammary crease incision. This requires no specific treatment and will go away on its own. Typically this takes about 6 weeks to resolve. Massage and Ibuprofen can help as well.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

These lines are small clotted veins, sometimes called Mondor's disease, though it is not at all a disease. These are not uncommon following breast surgery of any sort. They are self-limited, resolve without treatment, though if painful, anti-inflammatories like alleve are helfpul

	All the best.

James Nachbar, MD · Answer

I have frequently seen lines like these after recent breast augmentation.  You have done a great job of describing them: they are especially noticiable when the patient raises her arms.  Sometimes they are on one side, and sometimes on both sides.  They are usually noticed between three and six weeks after breast augmentation.

	My best guess is that they are due to some of the early scar formation here.  I have never seen them not resolve on their own in the first three to six months, and have never had the opportunity to see what they look like if you go back in for surgery, since they have always gone away on their own whenever I have seen them.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

These vertical lines are inflamed blood vessels that are similar to phlebitis if they were seen on a hand, for instance.  Horizontal incisions below the breast may cause the vessels to become interrupted and inflamed, and are  usually very painful.  The condition is called Mondor's Disease, although it is not strictly speaking a disease at all, rather a condition that is temporary.  The treatment will be to apply warm compresses and to take antiinflammatory medications.  Always follow up with your Surgeon as you are healing, however.  This will get better.  It is not related to tightness of closure of an incision usually.

	 

	Good luck to you.

	 

	Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

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