Pain 3 weeks out after replacing implants

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Randi64
Randi64 Member Posts: 177
edited October 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi ladies, I had surgery 3 weeks ago today (9/20) exchanging my Natrelle 410 textured implants. The surgeon replaced with smooth round. Apparently he said I had a "retracted" pectoralis muscle exposing my implants from "nipple line down" . They had retracted up. He did a total capsulectomy and because I have lower half of breasts exposed he placed Alloderm over the exposed area. Half the implant is under the muscle half over bilaterally. I had to have drains for the first 10 days. I still cannot be without the sports bra 24/7 although he told me I didn't have to wear at night anymore. I am way too uncomfortable especially on the right side. I also have a burning sensation. I'm not sure if all of this has to do with the Alloderm. My question is it normal to still be very tender, have burning and discomfort and still have to wear bra all day long. It also feels tight where the Aloderm is. There are no signs of infection. Thanks in advance for any feedback anyone can give me

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  • JenniferinDC
    JenniferinDC Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2019

    Hi Randi64,

    I had my surgery on 9/16. Allergan 410s replaced with Mentor smooth round with Alloderm. I also had a capsulectomy, and my implants were changed from sub pec to pre pec. Like you, I had drains for 10 days. My PS instructed me to wear the surgical bra 24/7 for 6 weeks, only taking it off to shower. Also not supposed to lift more than 5 lbs or raise my elbows above my shoulders for same length of time. My chest still feels a little tight and sore at times, particularly along the center line. I think 3 weeks is a very short time for my muscle to recover from 9 years of being in a different position. How great is your discomfort

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  • Randi64
    Randi64 Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2019

    Hi Jennifer, thanks for responding! Looks like we are on similar path! My capsule was also 9 years old that was removed . Wow, my surgeon told me I could wear any comfortable bra and he did not give me arm restrictions past the 2 weeks. I’m also allowed to side sleep . I’m wondering if this all is contributing to my soreness and burning pain . I’d say pain is about a 4 out of 10 so not horrible just noticeable all the time!! In other words , I’m conscience of them all day long! I don’t recall having such discomfort before .

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  • JenniferinDC
    JenniferinDC Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2019

    I’m still supposed to sleep on my back until 6 weeks. I’m sleeping propped up because otherwise I will roll onto my side during the night. The only restrictions lifted before 6 weeks were being able to shower and return to work.

    Do you recall if last time weather played any role in your discomfort? Weather getting colder always bothers my old broken bones and new-ish surgical sites. One thing I clearly remember about last time was the cold weather making my foobs uncomfortable that first winter. The temperature here has gone down about 20 degrees in the last week, so I think that’s playing a role for me.

    My soreness/stiffness is about 1 or 2 out of 10, with some random sharp phantom nipple-type pains.

    I’m hoping that what we are experiencing now is totally normal, and that 9 years made us forget how rough it was last time.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2019

    Welcome JenniferinDC to our community. Glad you two connected. We really hope to hear that your pains subside.

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  • Randi64
    Randi64 Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2019

    Thank you Jennifer! I am so surprised that you had so many more restrictions than I have! I was back at work as nurse afeer a week and a half, I was bored to tears! I go next Monday for a check up, I will inquire more about my arm restrictions , although at that point I'll be 4.5 weeks out! I have reduced the amount of times I put my arms over my head as I want to play it safe. I can't sleep on my back, and I definitely asked him about sleeping on my side and he said I could! Hopefully, its not doing any damage although they look totally fine. In the last few days I've noticed dry flaky skin on the breast and around the incision line. Do you have this? Thanks again!

    Thanks Moderators ! I am too!

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  • JenniferinDC
    JenniferinDC Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2019

    Hi Randi64,

    No flaky skin around my incisions, but I still have a lot of surgical glue covering them up. PS said to just let it naturally fall off, but it sure is taking it’s time. I vaguely remember flaky skin on my incisions from last time, though.

    Are you still feeling pain? Mine hasgone away, as has the tightness.

    Maybe the difference in restrictions is because mine are pre-pec now? So jealous of you sleeping on your side!!

    Good luck at your appointment on Monday. Mine is Tuesday, so we’re continuing on a similar schedule.

    Thanks, Moderators!

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  • Randi64
    Randi64 Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2019

    Good morning Jennifer! Yay! I am so happy you are now comfortable! I still have lots of soreness in right boob. I see I'm "spitting a stitch" on right side incision which is definitely contributing. its too small for me to pull out, but very annoying! Skin is still very flaky so i'm adding moisturizer which helps. I guess the PS will let me know why he thinks Im still so sore. I also think you having pre -pec is why you had more restrictions. I wanted to do it but my PS convinced on morning of sx that he preferred doing sub pectoral. Of course, only to find out I have half and half due to retracted muscle. Good luck on your appointment next week, it sounds like you are doing really well!!

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  • CaliRN
    CaliRN Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2019

    I did the switch from subpec to prepec 2 weeks ago. I'm still having a lot of discomfort under the breasts in my rib area. I'm assuming this is where the alloderm was sewn in. Feeling a little bit better everyday, just trying not to overdo it. I'm looking forward to having my chest muscles back in the right place. Good luck to you ladies!

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  • Randi64
    Randi64 Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2019

    I hope you're feeling better CaliRN! I am starting to feel almost normal. The area where I have the stitch coming out is still bothering me, but not too bad! I am able to comfortably sleep :) I do have really flaky skin however, on area in bottom of breasts where Alloderm is. I guess its part of the healing. Continued healing to you both!


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