Hi poppyc1
Thanks for your post asking if others have experienced persistent swelling and soreness after breast surgery and if it resolved eventually.
Swelling after surgery is common and will usually settle with time. How long it takes varies for each individual, for some swelling can continue. This can be due to lymphoedema which is a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body. It might happen as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, for example because of surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area.
You mention you continue to massage and are doing manual lymphatic drainage massage. I wonder if you have been referred to a lymphoedema specialist or clinic to show you how to do this. Swelling and lymphoedema can be managed but you may need further guidance from treatment team or a lymphoedema specialist.
Soreness and discomfort can also sometimes continue after breast surgery. This can be due to a number of reasons including, nerve damage, however, swelling can also cause discomfort.
You mention your surgery was 4 months ago and that you have been told it is early days. The healing process after surgery can take months and for side effects to gradually improve. We are unable to say what the exact cause of your swelling and soreness is due to and if it might be linked to the positioning of your implant and whether your revision surgery may resolve this. However, as you have mentioned, it is important to talk to your surgeon and breast care nurse about this and to let them know the massage has not helped and the area continues to feel sore. They are best placed to advise how to manage this. You can also talk to them about bras to wear for support if you haven’t already.
You may find this section of our forum of help to reach out to others who may have had a similar experience and what might have helped them. We also have a Someone Like Me service which may be of help to you. We can try to match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you.
It sounds like a difficult time for you. Do also 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.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Teresa
Breast Care Nurse
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