Question for women who've had breast surgeries

[2bemarried]

I know this isn't a subject title I would normally post but I really have a question.

I had surgery on August 1, 2003 to remove a suspicous lump. Everything went fine...lump was benign....but for the last week the incision and area around it has been itching like crazy. Is this normal?? Has anyone else experienced this?? Figured I would ask here before calling the doctors office.

TIA

 

[LindaR]

Don't really know! But, sometimes the surgery scars on my back itch. They itched alot when they were healing (lotion, lotion) and they itch more than the rest of my dry skin spots.

I'm sure a phone call to the doctor would reassure you!

 

[Piglet]

I had a lump removed a little over 3 years ago at the ripe old age of 29 and at the site of the incision it did itch for quite a while. I think it is a sign that it is healing. Just make sure you aren't running any fever or it isn't red, keep an eye out for any signs of infection.

Melinda

 

[Pooh67_68]

My sister had surgery two years ago and once it started to heal, it constantly itched. She said that sometimes it itched so bad that she just wanted to rip it off.
But like Piglet said keep an eye out for infection.

 

[2bemarried]

Thanks!! Oddly enough...I got home today to find a note in the mail from my surgeon's office. It's time for my 6 month check-up and a new baseline mammogram...so I'll schedule that for sometime next week.

 

[Sleepy]

I'm not sure in your case, but I had a breast reduction 11 years ago and had many many stitches inside and out. The ones on the inside were self disolving. I experienced alot of itching. Not sure if it was the material of the stitches or the healing incision site itself. I had that stitch area itch for years. It is down deep under the skin and cannot be scratched. I found just placing my warm hand over the area would make it stop.

 

[Lynn CC]

I use vitamin E oil on my scar, it stops the itching and it's supposed to fade the scar too.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I had a mastectomy and a reduction in the fall of 2001. Not only did the incision itch as it was healing, but I still have some itching sensations today. My doctor explained that when they disturb the nerves in surgery, it sometimes leaves you with an itchy feeling or numbness. Mine has improved, but I still have a spot on the back of my shoulder that drives me crazy at times. And no matter how much I scratch that spot, it doesn't actually get at the itch.

 

[lizdotcom99]

and that is after 5 years of having surgery!! I think the itch thing is always gonna be there for me.....there is no lotion, nails long enough or enough skin lost to cure the itch!! Good luck with that!! I know how ya feel!!!!!

 

[NHAnn]

I had a lumpectomy (benign) 9 year ago, I don't remember any itching after the first 6-12 months, and the scar is barely visible
(I remember thinking it would never fade!!)
But I had a hysterectomy 2 1/2 years ago, and one half of the bikini line scar (which is about 5-6 inches long) is quite itchy from time to time.....kind of "underneath" as some have described. Drives me nuts! LOL Numbness too. in the immediate area of the scar, which is normal I'm told.
Could it be that the winter dryness is contributing to your recent itching?
Good luck at your appt and mammogram!!

 

[2bemarried]

This is definitely inside and I just can't get to it. I have extremely dry hands and they don't even itch compared to this. It's right where the incision is...and that happens to be very close to the nip...it gets a bit aggravating.....like others I didn't think the scar would ever start to fade but it is now...just not as fast as I would like.
However, my mom has had breast cancer and thyroid cancer so I know my probability rates and I'll gladly deal with the scar and itching in order to stay healthy and cancer free.

Night ladies and THANKS for all the information....glad to know I'm not the only one in this itch battle

 

[CarolynU]

My daughter underwent a breast reduction about 18 months ago, and went for a check up yesterday. She experiences itching in her scars, and they are still rather red, and haven't faded much. Her surgeon was a bit concerned, and said that she may have to undergo weekly injections to help them to clear up. He is trying some silicone strips as a first alternative which she has to keep on her day and night along with also sleeping in a sports bra. She is a bit worried about it all.

 

[2bemarried]

Carolyn I hope the strips will be able to take the swelling away and that everything will be fine for her.

 

[CarolynU]

Thanks Kristy, if the strips don't work, and nor do the injections he said she may need further surgery. She really does not want that as you can imagine. Poor girl.