feeling like my implants are being squeezed

Becky63

I had bilateral mx on 7/3/14. Left one immediately migrated and was repositioned in a second surgery 7/23/14. It has never felt ok. The right side is ugly, but seemed fine. It was never constantly reminding me of what happened. I now have the sensation that both implants are tight and being squeezed or flattened against my chest. Some days are so uncomfortable under my left arm, it becomes sore, as if the edge of the implant was rubbing all day. Does anyone else have strange sensations with their implants 5 months out?

Meadow

Hi Becky, I had implants in January, and then rads from Feb to April. I knew I would have some tissue tightening, and encapsulation, which I did on the radiated side. Sounds like maybe you are too, it is common, and there are some things you can do to break up the scar tissue and bring softness back. There are some really knowledgeable sisters here on BCO about all things reconstruction, and I hope they will soon chime in. I have had a Physical Therapist work on my scar tissue, she does a treatment called A-Stym, which involves her scraping over my implant and scar tissue with a plastic tool, stimulating the body to heal and breaking up the scar tissue. It has been very successful. I have gone from considering having the implant removed (drastic solution) to not even noticing the tightness. I had lumpy bumps where I could feel the implant under my arm too, and that area is smoother and no longer uncomfortable. I do not have total symmetry, but so much better. I asked my plastic surgeon for a referral to Physical Therapy, and he was more than happy to send it. If you have to ask for one, saying you want a lymphedema consultation is a good way to get that referral going. LE is best kept at bay when you are proactive, and a good therapist can show you how to anticipate problems before they are problems, and give good advice on caring for your new body. Please consider asking for a referral. I know you will be glad you did.