Band of Scarring

Has anyone had or heard of this?

My surgeon has described it as "a small band of scarring at the lateral margin of my left breast incision". It is basically on the incision scar under my left boob when I raise my arm up it creates like a pinched bit of skin which then creates pulled line down my abdomen (about 20cm long). It appeared at about 4/5 weeks post op so showed surgeon at my 6 week check up and he advised to masage it firmly to break down the scarring and has requested I see him again at 12 weeks post op. 

I am now 9 weeks post op and although it has got better as is no longer painful and did seem to go away for a bit it is now still there. My surgeon advised that if it didnt go away on its own then he would have to under a local anaesthetic go in to the incision site to release the scarring.

If anyone had this done, does this mean that there will be more scarring and I will have to wear a dressing and wear sports bras again? My surgeon didnt seem too worried about it an I know its not a major complication but it has been playing on mind. Thanks Ruth x

Does what you're describing look like this?



If it does, its called Mondors chord. 

Its a VERY common thing that can happen after having a BA and generally isn't anything to be concerned about at all. Massage is the best advise to give as it helps the vein to relax.

I don't know of anyone here who has needed intervention and it is a very common problem, so hopefully if you continue with the massage it will settle down. 

Nice to read your surgeon is monitoring it though and is ready to help if needed. Xx

I have this, very normal x

Thank you for the replies and yes it does look like the picture.  Glad to hear that it common and it's nothing to worry about. Will just continue with the massaging and fingers crossed it will go away on its own. x

I immediately thought mondors chord reading your post. One of the other delights they don't tell you about pre op. I didn't have them, but found out about them from other girls on here. Nothing to worry about and should go away in time.

Oh my god I have this!!!!!!!!! This is what is causing me pain!!!

Yes, they can feel very bruised and tender apparently. If it's too much, take some paracetamol. Do try and massage them to encourage them to go down, but they're perfectly harmless.

Ndtw2301 wrote:Oh my god I have this!!!!!!!!! This is what is causing me pain!!!

Mine was painful to start with and my surgeon told me to massage the scar firmly even if it is painful as no pain no gain. However after a 2 weeks of massage the pain went but I still have the odd looking pinch of skin but it doesn't hurt any more. It should go away on its on own hopefully. x