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Jeffrey Zwiren, MD answers: Does swollen breast need drainage after augmentation and lift?

I had breast lift and breast implants 16 days ago through areolar incision. My right side is great, but my left is still swollen and hurts a bit. Is this normal? Do you see this a lot? Do I need to have it drained or will it be okay soon? I know everyone is different, but I have to be in a honeymoon in 5 weeks in Aruba, and I dont want to be hurting too much then. Thank you.


Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
7 months ago

 You do have a fair degree of asymmetry and a bit more than I would expect at 16 days following surgery.  There are a few more pieces of information that would be helpful in determining the etiology of your problem

1. were your breasts similar in size and shape prior to surgery

2. Were the same sized implants used on each side. 

3. did you have more bruising on the left side?

Without an examination it may not be possible to determine if this is normal soft tissue swelling vs a seroma or hematoma, which is a collection of blood around the implant.  You should check with your plastic surgeon, he is in the best position to determine if this is a problem or not.  An ultrasound exam may be beneficial as well to rule out a collection of fluid or blood around the implant.  If this is substantial then drainage may be needed.  

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