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I had my left breast removed in July '25 and my right removed on 1/14/26 no reconstruction. Did anyone look rippled due too much compression

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mesa, AZ
January 29
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member thank you for that. I'm 7 mos post op on the left and I have full motion. I'm actually kind of glad my surgeon left a little bit of skin otherwise it would be tight and I'd have trouble lifting my arm. No cording, thank goodness. Hope you're recovering well 🙏😁 have a beautiful day

January 30
A MyBCTeam Member

I have the same issue. My skin from the bi-lateral mastectomy is not flat at all. I attribute it to using the compression wrap that they gave me at the hospital for too long. I am almost 6 months post-surgery and I am still going to physical therapy to reduce the scar tissue and increase mobility. I had quite a bit of built up as well as cording. Luckily no lymphoedema. Starting to finally feel pretty normal and good and not sure if I want to do the additional surgeries required to have reconstruction. Keeping my options open but the longer I go without reconstruction, the more I think I might just skip it.

January 30
MyBCTeam

Did you experience a rippled appearance after your bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction due to compression?

After a mastectomy without reconstruction, your chest will be flat where the surgery was performed. While rippling is more commonly associated with breast implants, some people do notice skin texture changes Show Full Answer

Did you experience a rippled appearance after your bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction due to compression?

After a mastectomy without reconstruction, your chest will be flat where the surgery was performed. While rippling is more commonly associated with breast implants, some people do notice skin texture changes after mastectomy.

Here's what might cause a rippled appearance:

- Skin and texture changes: Your skin may look and feel different after surgery, with a rougher texture or dimples as the incision area heals
- Scar tissue formation: As your body heals, scar tissue can create changes in how the skin appears and feels
- Compression garments: While compression helps with healing and reducing swelling, excessive or prolonged compression could potentially affect skin appearance

When to contact your doctor:

- If the rippling seems excessive or worsens over time
- If you notice sudden changes in skin texture
- If there's pain, discoloration, or hot skin accompanying the rippling
- If you have concerns about how your healing is progressing

Most texture changes are normal parts of healing, but your surgical team can evaluate whether what you're experiencing is typical or if adjustments to your compression garments might help.

January 29

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