Mondor’s Band
Shortly after breast augmentation for breast enhancement, a woman may develop cord-like structures that originate at the base of the breast. These have been called Mondor’s Bands. Mondor’s bands are most often seen when using an inframammary fold breast incision (under the breast).
picture of Mondor's Band
It is not exactly known what causes them or what they are. It has been suggested that they are a result of inflammation to the surrounding tissues of the breast. Lidocaine used during the breast enhancement surgery has been noticed to increase their appearance rate. They may be tender to the touch. Mondor’s bands can be made more pronounced when the woman lifts her arms up over her head. They can extend onto the abdomen, sometimes in a spider web like appearence. Mondor’s bands usually occur within the first 10 ten days after the surgery. They are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) and massaging to break up the cords. Mondor’s bands will usually completely resolve within 10-14 days. There is usually no long term problem. It is more of an inconvenience than anything else.
