Post-op exchange surgery itchy chest and cleavage

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited October 2018 in Breast Reconstruction
Post-op exchange surgery itchy chest and cleavage
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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited September 2018

    I had exchange surgery this past Friday and last night my chest and cleavage started itching. I called PS office and discussed with them. Got it under control somewhat with a topical and cold compress.

    But has anyone experienced this so early post op? Since it’s not on my new foobs or incision site I’m thinking I might be experiencing a reaction to fabric on breast strap. But that’s latex free, and I don’t have any bandages or tape except steristrips. I’m not even draining any fluid or blood.

    Any words of wisdom? I will see my surgeon tomorrow.

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  • gaspasser
    gaspasser Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    Hi,

    I'm sorry for the reaction, doesn't sound fun at all! I'm wondering if perhaps it's a reaction to the chloraprep they use to prep the skin for surgery? Sometimes after having surgery a few times close together or even over a year or so we have patients complain of a skin rash, red bumps or even a itching or burning type reaction without a visible rash?

    I seem to have a similar reaction for a few days any time chloraprep is used on me now. Even though I didn't have a reaction a few years ago during my initial BMX. We narrowed it down to chloraprep because when I had a couple PICC lines the round disc biopatch that they use around the insertion site to decrease infection risk left a red disc mark, bumps, and eventual skin breakdown. It has chloraprep in it. We ended up having to switch and use old style betadine prep (orangey brown) during dressing changes even though chloraprep is superior for decreasing infection they say.

    When I have had surgery lately and chloraprep is used I get a similar reaction to what you are describing. Good thing is it goes away. I don't have any long term problems in the side my expander was switched to implant as the chloraprep is only topical and reaction temporary. Might not be what you are experiencing, but I hope you get some relief soon!

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited October 2018

    Great information. I am going to ask my PS tomorrow. Yup that’s me, too many surgeries!!

    The itchiness subsided with hydrocortisone topical with aloe and cold compress. But still comes back if not attended to!

    I’m healing so well and my implants although so new, look beautiful. No draining or blood discharge at all!

    Thank you so much for your response it’smost helpful to explore!!

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  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 57
    edited October 2018

    I also had an allergic reaction to the chloraprep. Suffered from hive breakouts--red, blotchy, and itchy as all heck--for a good month after my exchange surgery. I used creams, but Claritan and Benadryl pills did the trick. Good luck!

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited October 2018

    Thanks Shadie-

    My plastic surgeon didn’t use chloroprep, and my itchies were short lived. I think maybe reaction to nerve blocker after it started to wear off or this annoying breast wrap I have to wear for a month!!

    Thanks for responding though!!

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