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Pain for how long after reconstruction?

Page last modified on: October 15, 2008

Question from FA98: I'm 46 and just had mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (latissimus dorsi muscle). Until now no post-operative complication has been recorded. I feel pain in my back (donor site, without external scar) and on the scars. Is there an average time after surgery for the pain disappearing? Thanks from Belgium.: Answer —Joseph Serletti, M.D., F.A.C.S.: It's certainly normal to have discomfort in the back site, and even to some extent to the chest site that may refer back to your shoulder or back. This discomfort can occur for three to six months after the initial surgery. It's certainly something that should gradually get better over that three to six month period.

On Wednesday, May 16, 2007, the Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction Updates. Joseph Serletti, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D. answered your questions about breast reconstruction.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Joseph M. Serletti, M.D., F.A.C.S. is professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a pioneer in the field of free flap autologous breast reconstruction.

Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment.

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