Swelling, Massage and Loss of sensation

Emily12

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Hi I hope this is not too broad of a topic but it is kind of all intertwined. I hope the ladies who have gone through MX could provide some input

1. I had 2 SLN removed 10 days ago and now I have swelling under the armpit where the incision is. When I touch it it is thick and lumpy. How long does it take for the swelling to disappear and is there anything I can do the speed up the process. It is uncomfortable when my inner arm rubs the spot.
2. I opted for immediate reconstruction with TE. At the time of the surgery my PS put 200ml of saline. My “breasts” feel swollen and misshapen. My PS is asking me to massage them daily. Has anyone had the same instructions from their PS and how was this supposed to be done?
3. loss of sensation- I know everyone told me that after DMX I would loose sensation in my breasts, but I was not ready for what would come. I am so freaked out of the fact that I can touch my skin and not feel anything. This I think is stopping me to perform the massages that my PS recommended I do. Does this weird feeling goes away. How do other ladies deal with the weird no sensation in the chest area?

MinusTwo

Emily - you are correct - your questions are varied. You'd probably do better posting in the June surgery, or spring surgery threads where people are experiencing what you are in real time. Also - all of these questions need to be addressed to your particular doctor since they are all different. That said:

1) swelling can take a number of weeks to go down. Talk to your doc about the progression if you are worried.

2) Some docs advise massage, others say never massage. Your doc will need to give you the specific instructions that he prefers. You will be 'misshapen' through out the process, but it will change with every fill.

3) Some people get SOME sensation back eventually. From what I've read, most do not. We just get used to the new normal since there are not other options.