I had a tissue expander put in place during mastectomy of right breast on 10/5. I have healed relatively well and will begin saline injections into the expander on 11/12. But the pain around my ribs (on right side) is really bad; is this normal? Also, has anyone had permanent saline implants rather than silicone?
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with ExpertsSponsored Offer
- Resources
Q: Tissue Expander after right mastectomy and rib tenderness
Answers (4)
11/ 7/09 6:58am
People vary in their pain tolerance and their healing times after surgery. A month out, the pain should be lessening. If the pain is worse that it was a week or two ago, then call the doctor and let him or her know right away. If you are still having pain, but it is getting better, then you can probably wait until the 12th to discuss it with your doctor.
11/ 8/09 11:32pm
The pain you are experiencing is probably related to positioning and the fact that this silicone expander was shoved under your muscle wall. It should lessen over time, but as the expanders fill, they may cause some pain. Half way through my fills I started having intense pain in my side due to a fractured rib. I also had a lot of pain in my should blade area from the pressure. Once the expanders were replaced with implants, I felt much better. My implants are silicone filled, I don't recall being given a real choice. We discussed options but he recommended these. I'm really very happy with them. I think the silicone helps to give it a bit more of a natural feel.
I hope all goes well with your fills!
Good luck!
Angi
11/12/09 12:19pm
OUCH ~ You just brought back some bad memories for me from 5 years ago! Yes, I and many of my then newly-acquainted friends in my support group experienced and complained about how it felt as though the expander was digging into or was underneath the rib. You aren't abnormal...if that helps any. Hang in, I promise you it will get better and soon be just a memory. Anything you go through now will bring good things for your future. It really doesn't take long to be able to make jokes and laugh about what might have been horrible pains, embarrassing situations or even the fears all of us had and have. Wish I didn't have to say this to you.....but.....Welcome to a great group of women!!! Be proud of yourself for what you have been through and walk with those breasts high!!!
12/31/09 2:32am
That is the same intense pain I had in my shoulder blade area in my back. The rib that was fractured was actually as it bends under your armpit, and that was why I had pain in both my ribs and under my arm and fractures in two spots. It's a very odd place to fracture. The shoulder blade pain is stabbing, almost blinding pain. I remember spening a lot of time soaking in a hot tub caus eit was the only thing that felt better. The good news it once you hva ethese swapped you should immediately feel better. Till then there's not much you can do, this is pretty much a so-called 'normal' growing pain associated with expanders. The more saline pumped into them, the more they hurt. Hang in there, you're almost there!
Angi
1/13/10 3:39pm
Did your rib fracture from the fills? I feel like my rib pain started while the PS was filling the last time. The pain in my rib has not gotten any better in 5 days, but all other tenderness from the fill has improved. If I have a fractured rib, do I still continue the fills? Jane
1/13/10 4:25pm
Yes, my rib fractured from the fills. The pressure was too much. I did continue with the fills and once the expander was swapped out for the implant the fracture healed all on it's own, and rather quickly.
1/14/10 6:29pm
Do you think 4 smaller fills 30cc instead of the two 60cc fills , I still need, will be less pressure on the rib area. I just don't want to be uncomfortable 4 times when maybe it could be 2 more times. Any suggestions for the rib pain? Or any positions that would be more comfortable. I find warm helps, like hot shower or heating pad at night. I haven't found a position that I can get immediate relief in. I should not complain. I drove and went to work everyday that I was expected since this annoying fill.
Thank you for your response,
Jane
1/14/10 9:58pm
I continued getting 100 cc's fills each week. I found that warm baths helped, and I wrapped an ace bandage around my rib cage for a bit of support. It helped a little. All I could really do was take some Tylenol and bear with it. Hang in there!
1/15/10 5:26pm
Thank you, I had a 60cc fill today. I took Motrin before I went. The rib pain was not as bad as I expected it to be. I think I did better by going in one week rather than two, because it was what I expected. When I have to wait two weeks, I kind of forget how uncomfortable it can be. I was told today one more 60cc, but it has to be two week wait. My exchange will be scheduled for middle of March.
Again, Thank you
Jane
1/28/11 2:50pm
Did your surgeon do an xray or anything when you first complained? I am just curious. Mine wouldn't do anything and I ended up with 5 fractures. Seems a bit much. I would have at least slowed down had I known.
4/20/10 11:15pm
I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in November of 2009. Last Wednesday (April 14th), I had the reconstruction (swapped out the tissue expanders for silicone implants). My left side is absolutely fine; mild aching, a little tender. But the right side is very painful, immediately under the right side of the breast and around to right under the armpit. As I was lying in bed, unable to sleep, it suddenly came to me that it felt like I had a broken/cracked rib. I've never had a broken/cracked rib, but have known people who have, and the pain they talked about pretty much fit my experience to a tee! So, I go see my doc in three more days, and will bring this up to him. After going on line, I've realized this is not an uncommon experience; but it usually happens with the insertion of the tissue expander, or as in your case, after a fill. I don't think the surgeons realize how common this is, and it should be something they should warn you about in case it does happen. I'm not sure what the solution is, but I have a feeling recovery is not going to be as quickly as I had planned :)
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I just got my 5th fill and I am having severe pain. I have been fine the whole time..I would be sore the day after but I could get around and take over the counter med and be ok. Now this last time is terrible...I can not hardly get off the couch..it feels like a stabbing pain under my right breast towards the center..it just almost takes my breath away. Could this be a rib problem? It is so nice to have other women I can ask..Thank you so much.
Carey