Mondor's disease in plastic surgery patients.

Thrombophlebitis of the chest wall is a benign, self-limiting condition. When it is recognized, the patient can be confidently reassured that spontaneous resolution is expected. The characteristic cutaneous cords are palpable five to seven weeks postoperatively, and they generally resolve within several months without specific therapy. Mondor's disease appears to be related to injury of the subcutaneous chest veins at the initial surgery rather than at reoperation. There is no apparent relationship between Mondor's disease and silicon implants nor between Mondor's disease and capsule contracture. Mondor's disease may be more common then generally believed.