Post-mastectomy chest discomfort is common due to muscular tension. Fortunately, stretching and exercising help reduce stiffness during recuperation.
Watching for indications of infection and taking care of your mental and emotional health after a mastectomy are equally important.
Is Chest Tightness After A Mastectomy Normal?
Mastectomy often causes chest tightness. Muscle stiffness after a mastectomy may occur because:
- your muscles shrink, pulling on your chest scar tissue grows as your body heals
- muscles may strain during breast restoration (but this is often temporary)
- joint pain (swelling)
- muscular contractions
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome affects the chest and arms (PMPS). This problem results from nerve injury during the surgery.
PMPS occurs in 20–30 percent of mastectomy patients. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, itching, and shooting or pricking chest or arm discomfort.
After mastectomy, capsular contracture is a typical adverse effect of breast implants. When scar tissue grows around the implant’s soft substance, the breast might become rigid or appear different.
If scar tissue develops, you may require another treatment to remove or replace the implant.
RELATED: Loving Your Body After a Mastectomy
How Long Does Tightness In The Chest Last After Mastectomy?
After a mastectomy, take some time off.
First, expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. During this period, physicians and nurses will monitor your recuperation, check your bandages, and address any concerns.
Many people’s function returns to normal after four weeks at home. You may require months to recuperate after breast reconstruction surgery.
You and your carers will get recuperation instructions from your healthcare team. This might include advice on: