Drain concern and "fat flap" question.

Nighthaven · March 2019

Man here. I had a mastectomy on my right breast last Thursday and had a single drain put in. It's been draining nicely without any issues but I noticed there was a little dried blood around the area where the drain tube was inserted. It doesn't appear to have been too much as the area of the dried blood was very small and limited only to the tiny area just under the tube incision. My question is, has this been known to happen? I'm not actively bleeding nor did I even see any blood trickling out when I noticed the dried blood under the tube when I lifted it up away from my skin. It's still in, of course, and I made no efforts to remove it but I was just wondering and/or concerned if anyone else has seen just a small bit of dried blood around the area where their drainage tube is/was.

My other question revolves around the "fat flap". Now obviously the surgeon took only what breast tissue was present and leaves any other fatty non-related tissue where it lies. My concern is that this seemingly large chunk of fat directly underneath my armpit where the breast used to connect to the side looks to be rather large in comparison to what it used to be. I've no idea what it would have looked like anyway when the breast WAS there but it's just so unsightly and ugly and IN THE WAY!!! I HATE IT!!! I can handle the scar, I can handle the tube hanging out but this gigantic mound of fat is seriously pissing me off and I'm going to have it for a very long time it would seem. My wife says it's so large because it is swollen due to the surgery and will eventually get smaller but I just want to know if she is right and I won't have this giant almost tennis ball sized piece of fat under my arm forever. Also, as a result of the surgery there is a HUGE bruise across the flap but it seems to be lightening up in color. It was a deep purple but it's lessening up to a yellowish color which is indicative of healing.

What are options going forward for removal of excess fat and will insurance pay for it? I'd like to have it gone but if insurance won't pay for it I can't, either. So frustrating!

Ladyofthelake · March 2019

Hi there. I may be too late, and maybe you've already had the drain removed by now. But just in case you still have it, I too had dried blood and clots inside the tube, and small chunks of god knows what make it through the tubes and into the bulb. We stripped the drains three times a day as instructed, but some bits were very stubborn and wouldn't move down the tubing. In the end it wasn't a problem, and no one paid it much attention.

I can't help with the fat flap, sorry.

Kayla250 · March 2019

Hi, just noticed this question, but a little dry blood is fine, I use to use some rubbing alcohol to clean around everything exposed to air and touch, ever so gently of course.

I assume you had mastectomy without reconstruction but be assured that swelling is a huge factor in the beginning and actually stays around for an extremely long time, it is frustrating but over time it does resolve. However, even though I had a plastic surgeon, I was surprised how much fat I had under there but unlike you I have a bra to mask it. I’m in Canada and had reconstruction and our health care covers Revision surgery that is needed afterward, but I can’t say if it would be would be covered where you may live.

Tinkthetonk · March 2019

I had a BMX at the end of January 2019, and I did have some drainage around the tube. As long as you're stripping the drain you should be fine and when you have your follow up appointment with your doctor, you will probably get the tube removed.

I can totally relate to the blob hanging under your arm. I even asked my doctor if she'd remove that surplus under my arm, but claimed it wasn't breast tissue and was "just how your body is made up." I don't know if I fully believe that, but maybe during reconstruction the blob can be adapted into the breast area. I try to tell myself I have a swimmer's back, so I won't feel mad about my body.

Beesy_The_Other_One · March 2019

I think what you're describing is a "dog ear," which is a sensitive topic with me, also, and I understand your feelings. I asked for a PS to close me to avoid them and thought I would, but it's apparent to me that they are very hard to prevent. While mine are not golf ball sized, there are definitely two prominences on either side of my incisions. Some women have huge, unsightly "dog ears." I only knew to ask to prevent them bc I'd had a friend with two VERY large dog ears. Doctors don't warn mastectomy patients about them in advance, which I do not understand. I believe that insurance would pay for what they call revision surgery, though I'm sorry you'll have to endure another surgery.

Runrcrb · March 2019

The dried blood - don't worry about it. the fat flap - give yourself healing time as swelling will go down slowly. Don't know if you have chemo or radiation in your future but if so, be patient. My oncologist told me health before beauty so in your case, health before handsome. If you are still unhappy 6 months after your treatments are complete, see a plastic surgeon.

bam320 · March 2019

Hi there,

I had a right masectomy two weeks ago with diep flap reconstruction. I too have this under arm boob area now. My plastic surgeon says it is from swelling and will go down. I am trusting him at this point because everyone has told me that he takes the aesthetics of his work very seriously.

I don't know if you have had your follow up appointment yet but when you do, please ask. I would like to know what your surgeon says.

Betsy

Drain concern and "fat flap" question.

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