Asymmetry 8 weeks after double mastectomy with reconstruction

Hi
I am 8 weeks post bilateral mastectomy surgery with immediate implant reconstruction. Still uncomfortable but getting better every day.
I have been progressing with arm mobility and stretching exercises as well as some light resistance training, as advised by my plastic surgeon and the oncology physiotherapist.
Initially the aesthetics of my surgery and reconstruction looked great,
However, in the last day or two I noticed one of my breasts has dipped to a significantly lower level than the other one. I am pretty lopsided looking now unfortunately.
Has anyone else experienced this? Could I have overdone it with the exercise and stretching? I am almost back to myself re housework, although I still get tired so am not pushing myself.

Just wondering if this is common or normal? And do I need to just accept it? Or are there things that can be done?
My reconstructed breasts were still pretty sore but I was getting to like the look of them, until yesterday!!

Thanks so much

Poppyc1

1 Like

Hi @poppyc1 The BCN nurses will be back tomorrow after the bank holiday and will hopefully answer your question soon after.

You may also want to contact your own breast care nurse to see if they need to take a look.

Take care🥰

Hi poppyc1

Thanks for posting.

It is understandable you would like to know whether the asymmetry you have noticed in the last few days following your bilateral mastectomies with immediate implant basted reconstructions eight weeks ago is normal and whether you could have overdone it with exercise and stretching .

It is always best if you have any concerns about how your breast reconstructions look and feel to contact your breast care nurse or plastic surgeon and talk through what you have noticed. They will be able to give you advise and information which is specific to you as people can differ. They may be able to explain the change in symmetry and if this can be corrected.

We are unable to say if you have overdone it with the exercise and stretching but it is still early days post-surgery, and there is a lot to cope with. It is not usual to hear you are still feeling uncomfortable and sore but as healing takes place, these effects usually subside over time. This varies from person to person so talk this through with your treatment team. They will be able to tell you more about what to expect as you recover and be able to give you suggestions to help you feel more comfortable .

You do not mention whether the surgery you had was for breast cancer or preventive surgery, you may be interested in our information on changes to your body after surgery.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.

You may also be interested in an organisation that offers information and support to women who have had breast reconstruction

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Helen

Breast Care Nurse

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