Forum Discussion
How soon after mastectomy can unusual scar be "tidied"
It is 9 weeks since my mastectomy. My scar has healed well, so far, with intermittent swelling in my armpit. My main concern is my "triple" cleavage with a fairly hard "knob" between two of the "valleys" and at the outer end another fairly pointy lump which doesn't "stretch out" when I lift my arm. Most bras, needed to manage the remaining 14DD boob, dig into the outer end of scar, which has a reasonably firm, elongated lump below, where bra bands go. I feel like I have a mini " bagpipe" in my left axilla and below.
Going to see surgeon who did my 3 surgeries later this month, I just wonder if I am worrying over not much, although discomfort is a constant reminder.
7 Replies
Post consultation with surgeon will lead to a " tidy up" which I'm happy to wait for. I'm also going to get assessed for a prosthesis and new bras. Current selection of post surgery bras do not quite manage my 1 boob and non boob with some discomfort and migration for a lop sided look. Mostly, at home, I wear Boody bras which are minimally supportive but make me feel more secure. Onward and upward.🤣
Edited and a HUGE shout out to the lovely ladies at Breast Care Victoria.
My 440 km round trip to Melbourne suburbs was well worth the drive. My consultation and measurement led to me being fitted for an Amoena Xtra light prosthesis and 2 new bras. Prosthesis was fully covered by Medicare, I will see if Private Health contributes towards bras.
The whole process was wonderfully caring by qualified breastcare nurses and fitting and measurement came up with a perfect solution.🥰 I was also advised to allow my wound to recover a little longer before I consider a "tidy up". The prosthesis sat comfortably on the ex boob site and looked and felt completely natural.
I might be donating my Berlei postoperative bras and infills as they are too light and stretchy to carry the "real weight" of the prosthesis. Planning on some boob related craft work to celebrate and combine my " knitted knockers" into an installation.🤣🤣
Hi. That's good you can have a tidy up. I' m only 2 weeks post mastectomy one side with another scar from lumpectomy then re excision. Will be interesting to see how everything goes once compression bandage and swelling goes down. I tried on my Berlei with soft prosthesis, doesn't match my other boob, felt weird but I know I will get fitted properly too. Good luck with your next procedure and bra fitting. Cheers from another one sided boobie warrior woman. 💕
That's a great result, Meurig xx Good luck with the prosthesis & new bras xx
Check out BCNA's tips here:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/surgery-and-breast-reconstruction/breast-prostheses-and-breast-formsWhere abouts are you (roughly - town/city/State?) Some of our members may know of someone nearby who could help you.
There are some specialist Prothesis Bra fitters in some centres (https://dickorydock.com.au/in Camberwell Vic.) I believe there is one in my home town (Mid North Coast NSW) too, tho I never needed the service.
You can find others here: https://www.google.com/search?q=prosthesis+bras+australiaThis mob might be worth looking into: https://www.themastectomystore.com.au/
Wishing you all the best xx
Going to Lucy at Breast Care in Donvale/ Mitcham, Melbourne next month, who comes highly recommended as experienced. Only "off the shelf" available more locally, without real training and knowledge.
Had a lunpectomy, re excision and a unilateral flat mastectomy last week. I have two surgical sites and the one from the first two is puckering and changed since my mastectomy. I have swelling too. My McGrath nurse referred me to a private OT who specialises in lymph and mastectomy and she said we will work on the scars, swelling and cording.
Maybe you could get some advice re scar management which may help the puckering. I live regionally too and am happy to travel the 70km one way to see this OT.
I hope you get some good treatment options. My surgeon said most patients have a tidy up surgery down the track but after 3 surgeries in 7 weeks, Im not keen atm.
All the best 🫂
Sorry that you are experiencing discomfort Meurig :( Is your surgeon aware of the intermittent swelling in the armpit and the knobs that are concerning you? It is important that you (in particular) and the surgeon are both happy with the results of the surgery.
Is there any redness or warmth around the swelling area? If 'yes' - it could be inflammation, infection or even cellulitis and should be checked out. Has your GP checked it out yet? Maybe take a photo of the swollen area - so you can compare pics, if needed.
You might even be able to get in earlier to see the surgeon if they are aware of your very valid concerns.
Do you have a Breast Care nurse that you can to check out your surgery site too?
take care & all the best xxMany thanks arpie,for your supportive reply. No inflammation or infection, I think lymphatic fluctuations after sentinel node biopsy in first surgery ( lumpectomy), but after 3rd surgery, mastectomy, the scarring is pretty much OK in middle, but lumpy at ends. I think bulge below might be fibrous. I am seeing surgeon on 22nd, so I can discuss situation with him ( plus the slightly worrying dimple on other side.)
My GP is great for general consults and small procedures. He is quite distant and I do not feel comfortable in his involvement as far as examining my mastectomy scar, he would refer me to treating team. Previous experiences with spinal and head surgery with his contribution being the referral to specialists that I chose, are confirmation of his " arm's length" approach. Unfortunately being fairly rural, we have little choice in doctors, we do, however, have a great public hospital with dedicated cancer centre at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, only 65 km away,
PS It was Breastcare nurse who suggested and emailed specialist for appointment.
I really appreciate your thoughtful reply and suggestions. I will update after specialist visit.😁
