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Bulge under arm after skin sparing mastectomy

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Oct 1, 2025 | Replies (7)

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Hi @rida @colely @jaynep @libby44
I’m hoping that you’ve all recovered well from your LD flap surgery and BC free. I recently had this type of reconstruction due to radiated breasts and pre-existing blood disorder condition. I’m home recovering now going on my 4th week since the operation and will undergo PT this week. I’m curious if this tightness (digging around the chest) and underarm bulge will eventually go away. I know that my PS said that there will be more work after 3-4 months of healing but definitely the way I swing my arms when walking feels very uncomfortable and look stiff. The tightness and digging pain is mostly unbearable and don’t want to be on pain meds all the time. I’m hoping for good news. 🙏

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Replies to "Hi @rida @colely @jaynep @libby44 I’m hoping that you’ve all recovered well from your LD flap..."

@jj&oann. Hello. I didn't have your type of surgery. I had flat closure, so I can't be as explicit as others can be. But I can tell you that P.T. will do wonders. You just have to work every day at it. I have to do stretches several times a week 5 years later for the scar tissue to stay stretched out. But everyone should do a little stretching, occasionally. To work on a specific area, there is O.T. The O.T.s are hands on women who can do massage, laser treatments, etc. Then there is your plastic surgeon you can go back and see in 6 to 12 months with any concerns. As always, you must advocate for yourself. You can go to P.T off and on for several years. You might have to ask to see an O.T. I had to. Best wishes for a good healing. Coley.