LD reconstructed breast has a rash - what should I do??

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LD reconstructed breast has a rash - what should I do??

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LD reconstructed breast has a rash - what should I do?? Hi all,

I had a mastectomy and LD reconstruction 7 weeks ago and have been recovering well. I have noticed though that the skin patch on my reconstruction (which is quite a large patch) is quite red, “rashy”, rough to feel and skin seems to come off (as if I was exfoliating) when I rub oil into the scar lines. I am not in any pain but it occurred to me today maybe I should be more concerned about this - is it something to worry about?- is there a problem with the reconstruction - should I see a Dr or my BNC? I am a bit anxious about it - I don’t want to ignore it for it to turn out to be something serious. I have taken my bra off today to let it have a bit more air thinking that may help - any ideas ladies please - what may be causing it what should I do? Did anyone else have the same problems following this operation?

Thanks Chloex

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Hi Choe

I’m 7 weeks post this op too.

I would give your BCN a call initially to put your mind at rest - I am sure she will know if this sort of thing happens and whether you need to get it looked at.

My skin flaked off of my recon boob (but not the recon patch) initially and I have been using rose hip oil with lavender, neroli and rose all over my boobs, not just the scar lines. I do this morning and night and try to sit for about half an hour with nothing on to let the air get to it a bit.

Let us know how it goes

Anita x

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what to do? Dear Chloe
I didn’t have the same problem you have, but thought I’d tell you what I did…
It was a Saturday when I had a worry about the look of my LD reconstructed breast a few weeks after the op (red and hot and leaky). I phoned the plastics ward of my local hospital for advice (I wasn’t actually operated on there, but my plastic surgeon was based there and it was where I came for clinic appts to see her). The ward sister I spoke to was really helpful and said I should come ASAP to the A & E dept. She had already contacted a dr from plastics who saw me almost straight away. Turned out I had an infection and needed antibiotics.
If it had been a normal week day, I would have phoned the plastics and burns clinic directly, as although the breast care nurses are great, they are not always immediately available to talk to. I don’t know which option is easiest for you, but you do need to speak to or see someone to check it’s okay and to put your mind at rest.
best wishes, Timetraveller

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Thanks for replying - I have spoken to my BCN and am going to see her Monday hopefully - I don’t feel ill - it is not warm or weeping so I am pretty sure it is not an infection but it is irritated by something - it appears redder in the evening and looks better in the morning so it could be just wearing the bra is irritating it - we’ll have to see. Thanks