Forum Discussion

Ne's avatar
Ne
Member
9 years ago

Hardness in breast near Skin Graft 'FlexHD' Anyone else?

Hi ladies
I am 1 and 1/2 months post final bilateral reconstruction swap over from expanders to silicone.
I have noticed since my surgery a hardness in my breast which is not lumpy but just very hard and uncomfortable to lie on.  It is in the mammary fold off to the left nearing my under arm area (where the stiches for the FlexHD cadaver skin graft comes together).  It is also my radiated breast so I was unsure if the hardness is from the stitches..or the scar tissue. 

The thing is I received the FlexHD graft during my mastectomy when my expanders were put in and I never experience this during the 12 months I had my expanders in, the hardness has only been obvious since the changeover surgery recently.  I only see my surgeon for 3 month follow up in a month from now.  Not sure if anyone else has had FlexHD skin grafts and if they felt the stitched edge or any other issues?


  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks all for the advice.  I will follow up with surgeon too.  Thank you Jane for the recommendations of the group and facebook. x
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Ne, I haven't had the FlexHd skin graft but I had a silicone implant and also had a hard edge to it towards my underarm where the scar finished, felt like the implant had bunched a bit in that area.  I'm three months down the track and have been massaging morning and night and have noticed  a marked softening and doesn't feel bunched anymore. Huge improvement and feels so much better. Hoping for you yours goes the same way. But if I was worried I would check with the surgeon, if for no other reason than to put my mind at rest. Wishing you all the best. Xx Cath
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    When I had oedema my stitched areas could be felt. I was worried it was a recurrance so my oncologist checked. I also had a bit of cording attached to it that was noticible. All seems to have resolved now. I haven't had my changeover yet. Expanders in since January. Hope you have snswers soon. Maybe it is scar tissue. Kath x
  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Ne, I don't have the FlexHD so can't help you there but wondered if you posted this question into the breast reconstruction group whether you might get a quicker response? Also, Reclaim Your Curves has a very active Facebook group that might be able to help, if you use Facebook. The group is private so you will need to apply to join with a brief message.

    You could also try calling your surgeon's rooms with your question. I did this a couple of times in between visits to ask about a couple of issues and either the surgeon or the clinic's nurse got back to me with answers. Hope this helps. Jane xx