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When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

asked 3 years ago by kcali in california
Latest answer by Brian Howard, MD
Question viewed 102,440 times
Tags: 1 week post-op, recovery, swelling

I had 325cc silicone breast implants 5 days ago. I am 5'1 and 102 pounds. I was hoping to be a C cup, but I am fitting into a D bra. Is this because of the swelling? If so, when will the swelling begin to go down? When will I know exactly what bra size I will wear?

59 answers to When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

+8

Don't judge your breast augmentation size for 3 months

At 5 days out from your breast augmentation, there is plenty of soft tissue swelling as well as fluid around the implant. This is normal. When the implants are placed under the muscle, particularly in thin women an oblong bulge is usually noticeable in the upper quadrant. This is the thicker part of the muscle. With time the muscle will accommodate to the implant and flatten down. This effect often gives the appearance of larger breasts. Your breast shape will also change substantially... more
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+4

Expected swelling after breast augmentation

Hello, How much swelling depends largely on if the implant is placed on top of the muscle or under the muscle. A smaller amount depends on implant size and tissue characteristics. In general: On top of the muscle (subfascial and subglandular): 1-2 week Under the muscle (subpectoral): most of the swelling will go away by 3-4 weeks but a small amount may persist for a month or so. In general, making a decision on the final result of your breast augmentation should... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+4

Breasts evolve over the first two months following breast augmentation

Breasts evolve over the first two months following breast augmentation. Initially, you may have some swelling; however, what patients usually notice is that they feel or look tight or a bit high. The tissues will expand and relax between 3 and 8 weeks following your breast augmentation. At that time, you will be better able to determine your size.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+4

Initially at 2 weeks, most all by 6-8 weeks

The swelling begins to significantly subside by 2 weeks after surgry as long as you are following proper postop guidelines and not overdoing.  In my practice, most all of the final swelling is gone by 6-8 weeks after surgery.  Probably the "final" result is obtained by 3 months.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+4

Breast augmentation swelling begins to resolve within 2 weeks

Swelling begins to resolve within 2 weeks of surgery. By 6 weeks, you should have a pretty good idea of the size of your breasts. All swelling will be gone by 3 months and at that time you will see the final results from your surgery.
David A. Robinson, MD

Munster Plastic Surgeon
+4

I usually say a 1/4 cup reduction

It ususally takes 2-3 months for the breast swelling to resolve. It will also undergo a change in shape as the implants become rounder and sag just a bit. I usually tell my patients that they will lose about 1/4 cup size from the early post-operative period.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+4

Swelling after Breast Augmentation is probably at it's maximum at this point

Kcali, I thought Californians were chill. You are only five days out from an invasive operation. Surely, you have swelling at this point in time, which, by the way, is probably at its maximum. Expect a significant improvement in the swelling over the next 4-6 weeks. At that time you will have a good idea of your final bra size. Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+4

It takes about 3 months for final size to be seen after breast augmentation

Kcali, Swelling after breast augmentation takes at least six weeks to resolve, you will be smaller than you are now. More importantly, the breast implant position shifts as the breast tissues relax after breast augmnetation, and the implant will descend to a much more natural look. As the breast implant assumes a more normal position, it also fits more naturally in a smaller bra cup than immediately after surgery. I would reassure you not to worry. It is also very important that you express... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+3

Breast augmentation and post op swelling

Yes, you are still swollen.  This swelling may persist for  a couple to a few weeks.  Your implants probably seem "high" to you as well.  This is normal as people usually look great on the table, and when they wake up the implants rise up toward the collar bone.  They will usually start to move downward at about three weeks.  It may take 6 to 12 months for some implants to settle into final position.  Do not run out and buy a bunch of new bras... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+3

Swelling after Breast Augmentation

Swelling of the breast immediately following breast augmentation is normal and expected after surgery.  For most patients in our Richmond, Virginia practice, the swelling peaks the third through fifth days after surgery. During the second and third weeks after surgery most of the swelling subsides and the breasts begin to take their shape.   During this period the implants begin to drop, the tissues expand, and the breasts become rounder.  Please note that a small... more
Neil J. Zemmel, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+3

Little swelling but implants may look high

There should be very little swelling with breast augmentation surgery. However, many patients feel that they are swollen at first because there implants are positioned high. As they descend within 3 wks to 3 months the breast looks less swollen when in reality the implant has just dropped into position.
Pramit Malhotra, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+3

Breast augmentation swelling takes time to resolve

Swelling after breast augmentation will gradually resolve over a four to six week period. Even once most of the swelling has resolved, you will still see some changes in breast shape for a period of up to three months. I generally recommend that my patients purchase sports bras early on, as these are less form fitted allow for greater latitude in sizing. I would wait at least a month before going out and investing in a new wardrobe.
Mitchel Krieger, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+3

Give yourself 4-6 weeks

What you are experiencing is completely normal, and in general, you will need about 4-6 weeks before you see the final result. I recommend my patients wait about 6 weeks before being fitted for and purchasing new bras so that this swelling may subside, but it sounds like you are healing normally.    
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Wait 6 weeks for new bra after breast augmentation

Kcali: Patients are often given temporary soft bras to wear while the postop breast changes take place. Patients are advised to wait about 6 weeks before going bra shopping, because fit would change greatly over that period of time. Afterward, the changes are less and gradual. Some of what you are experiencing is swelling. But much of the early postop breast appearance is due to your body adjusting to the surgery and the implant. The breast and pocket around the implant are stretched. They... more
Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+3

Breast swelling and buying bras after breast augmentation

Special volume cameras taking photographs of breast augmentation patients demonstrate that the swelling may remain 10-15% larger than the final results for nearly 6-9 months. You did not state what your initial breast size was and that is difficult to estimate your final breast size. However, using rough averages, a 325cc implant should take you up about a cup and a half, maybe 2 cup sizes. At this point in time your breast implants are still high riding and your surgeon may prescribe... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wait 3 months to judge your result

Everyone has swelling after breast augmentation. The amount of swelling varies tremendously from patient to patient. Most patients notice that the swelling is starting to subside in the first week or two. I find that most of the swelling, (let's say 80% or so), tends to resolve by the end of the first month and most patients are starting to see the results of their surgery. The rest of the swelling, (the remaining 20%), tends to take a bit longer to go away... more
James H. Schmidt, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelloing after Breast Augmentation

Yes! You are still swollen, so try to not examine your self too closely, just yet. Every individual heals at a different rate, but you will probably have a better idea of your cup size 2 months after surgery. Don't go bra shopping before then!
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Healing after breast augmentation

Everyone heals differently and the exact amount of time when you will stop swelling is impossible to know. Most women notice a significant decrease in swelling by the fourth week out of surgery. Even as the swelling goes down, the implants will need to settle before they in the correct position. Shopping for a bra in the first year will be a little complicated. Talk to your surgeon about your healing and your recovery so you know what to expect.
Joseph G. Bauer, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast augmentation and swelling

When you have a breast augmentation, it can take up to 6 weeks for the swelling to subside.  Some patients have considerable swelling, and some patients have minimal to no swelling, so it is difficult to say how much the post operative swelling is contributing to your breast size.  I tell my patients to wait at least a month, and preferably 6 weeks before bra shopping, because your breasts will change.  In addition, your cup size will vary depending on the bra mfg, and... more
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drbandy.com

+2

Swelling and recovery after breast augmentation

Swelling after breast implant surgery is known as edema. Edema may persist in the acute setting for two to four weeks, and mildly in the chronic setting for up to 6 months. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after Breast Augmentation

There is typically very little swelling after breast enhancement surgery with prosthetic implantation, but this may depend on how much breast tissue you possess prior to surgery and how much skin relaxation you have. T The skin and the breast tissue in most patients is tight immediately afterwards and may take 4 weeks to 3 months to accommodate the implant and subsequently resolve. Our patients are started on focused, nurse quided massage starting at week 2 (and continue focused massage... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Be patient, you are only 5 days from your surgery

There is always some degree of swelling with any invasive surgical procedure. In general, by day 5 thru 14, 90% or more of the swelling should have subsided. Over the ensuing weeks, the residual swelling will slowly dissipate. Even though the breasts may appear large now, I would encourage you to give it time to allow the muscle and skin to settle, etc. The final appearance of your breasts will not be seen until three to four months depending upon various factors. Continue your follow up... more
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Englewood Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after augmentation requires patience

Some swelling in the breast and surrounding tissue is expected after augmentation. The swelling will peak at about three days, and then begin to subside. The swelling may only have a small impact on eventual cup size. Right after augmentation the breast tissue is challenged to adopt a new form and shape which the implant size and shape will help dictate. The process of the breast and implant working in together can take up to three months, especially if you were very small breasted to start... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+2

Don't look at your breasts for at least a couple of weeks

Certain things happen dynamically after breast augmentation. Of course, there is swelling and bruising that causes the breasts to be larger. The hemoglobin pigment is hydrophilic so whenever there is bruising, there is some fluid retention. However, the tissue also might be tighter since they are being stretched by the volume of the implant. It takes a while for the tissues to accommodate the implant. This can make the breasts look smaller until the implant effect the size and shape of the... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

5 days is too soon to judge final bra size

Hello I am glad your breast augmentation went well. Cup size is one measure of breast augmentation that is difficult to predict. Swelling takes some time to resolve and I would not render final judgement on your cup size until 2 months have gone by (even if there is not much visible swelling). Please remember that you may fit into a D cup of one brand , whereas you may be a C cup in another. Cup size is very variable. I have had patients who tell me "depending on the bra I am a B , a... more
Francisco Canales, MD

Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling After Breast Augmentation

Rest assured, you are definitely swollen 5 days after your surgery and can expect to have some degree of swelling for up to 2-3 months. Don't bother getting your bra sized before then as the swelling may still change your final size. Further, with regard to bra size, don't focus too much on cup size as in reality all bra companies have differences in their cup sizing system. What matters most is whether you like what you see in the mirror, not what cup size you are. more
Brian Howard, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Final results with breast augmentation

I tell my patients that their first impression after the bandages come off is that they are too big. After two or three months they think they are perfect. After six months, a lot of patients are back wanting to go larger. With that in mind, I tend to advise my patients to err on the bigger side. As for swelling, there are several things going on in the first week after surgery that contribute to your larger size. The first is that the implants will tend to... more
Edwin C. Pound, III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

When does swelling subside after BA?

Usually 3-4 weeks if under the muscle. But the final size and shape are not completely evident until 3-4 months after surgery. The muscle is also thicker initially and will thin out over time. It definetely gets better over time as the implants settle.
Raj S. Ambay, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling post breast augmentation

Dear Patient, You are definitely fitting into a D size bra due to post surgery swelling. Usually 2 to 3 months post surgery is when you will have a better idea of your actual cup size.
Teanoosh Zadeh, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+1

Normal swelling after breast augmentation

You are certainly swollen at five days after surgery, you may be experiencing much tightness, swelling, and your implants may seem like they are too high especially if submuscular. This is all normal. Your breast shape and size will change over the next several weeks as the swelling reduces and the tissue surrounding the implants relaxes, causing the implants to assume a more natural position. The extent of the swelling depends on a couple factors: Implant placement. (A)... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

The results of breast augmentation are not immediately apparent

Hi kcali The amount of swelling following breast augmentation will vary depending on the technique used for the procedure, along with the type and position of the implants. Often, much of what is viewed as "swelling" is temporary malposition of the implant. In any event you will probably not have a good idea of your final size until 4-6 weeks following surgery. Even then you will have subtle changes to you breast and not see the "final" result for as long as... more
Wayne I. Yamahata, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

www.anuyu.com

+1

Too soon to tell

5 days after surgery is definately too soon to tell final size and shape. You will have a pretty good idea 4-6 weeks after surgery, however, you can still have minor changes such as positioning and softening of implants for several months.
Renato Saltz, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

It's too early to judge your size at five days. At this point your entire chest is swollen. However, swelling begins to subside on the second and third day, but it will be several months, probably 3-4, before all of the swelling has diminished. Cup sizes mean virtually nothing this soon after surgery. Be patient and you will most likely be elated.
E. Ronald Finger, MD

Savannah Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after breast augmentation

At five days postop, you are still at the height of the swelling curve. Much of the swelling should go down within the first three weeks after surgery but some residual swelling may remain for up to six months. Be patient. You will be able to more accurately assess the healing in several weeks.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Swelling

Being 5 days out from surgery is still very early and it is most likely there is still a fair amount of swelling. In addition if your implants are under the muscle, they sometimes look higher and bigger than they are. Give yourself 4-6 weeks at least for the swelling to subside and then you will have a better idea. Also as I am sure you know, bra sizes can vary depending on the brand so it is more important to see if you like the shape and fullness of the breasts after the swelling goes down... more
Navinderdeep S. Nijher, MD

Ocala Plastic Surgeon

ocalaplasticsurgery.com

+1

Swelling and settling or just redistribution

It is normal to have some swelling after breast augmentation surgery, but much of what is perceived as swelling is actually some displacement of the implant contents. Implants placed under the muscle tend to be very tight on the bottom initially after surgery. This pushes some of the contents of the implant (silicone or saline) to the upper portion of the breasts. Over time, as this tissue stretches and relaxes, the implant material settles more into the lower aspect of the breasts.... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling?

At 5 days you should still have moderate swelling especially in the midline (cleavage) and out to the side. You really shouldn't be wearing 'cup' type bras yet as your breasts are like not yet of a shape that bras will comfortably accomodate. Swelling is probably maximal in most cases at about the 3-5 day point. It's hard to tell you, without an examination, whether the amount of swelling you're having is within normal limits or is accentuated because... more
Scott E. Newman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.psurgery.com

+1

Determining cup size

At this point in time of your recovery, it is normal to have swelling. Swelling should subside at about 3 months. It is difficult to determine exact cup size pre and post-operatively. Hopefully you will be plased with your results regardless of the cup size. Every manufacturer produces a variety of bra styles, which may differ in size and shape. On this site, I do my best to give advice without a physical examination but I want you to know that a physical examination by a board certified... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Swelling can take 4-6 weeks to completely resolve

At 5 days patients still are getting used to their implants and their is a lot of swelling. You should not worry about any cup size at this time!  The implants will drop, soften, and the swelling will go down mostly by 3-4 weeks but the final amounts may take up to six weeks. Don't worry, based on your implant size I think you should be well within a C cup range.  I hope this helps! Sincerely, James F. Boynton, M.D., F.A.C.S.
James F. Boynton, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.BoyntonPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Swelling after breast augmentation

Swelling is normal after breast augmentation. It varies among individuals and even among surgeons depending upon how traumatic the technique and whether or not an implant is placed that exceeds what the breast pocket would require for a natural fill. In my practice, most swelling is resolved in a couple of weeks, but it may take longer to resolve swelling completely. I advise my patients not to spend a lot of money on bras until the breast swelling is resolved and the breasts have... more
Mark D. Epstein, MD

Stony Brook Plastic Surgeon
+1

D-Cups?

Your breasts will appear larger for about a week or so after the surgery. This is due to tissue swelling and muscle spasm( if under the muscle). Most of the swelling will be gone in 2-3 weeks and should be completely gone by 4-6 weeks. I doubt you will be a D-cup when the swelling is resolved.
Douglas L. Gervais, MD

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

Swelling after Breast Augmentation

Generally speaking, swelling can take up to 6 weeks to go down, that's why I  usually recommend that patients wait about 4 weeks to go bra shopping . It takes about 200cc's to make a cup size. So, if you had some of your own breast tissue plus the implants, you should be around a C cup. But keep in mind, differenct manufacturers size their cups differently. So in one store you might be a B, and another a D.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after breast augmentation surgery can last longer

After breast augmentation surgery, the swelling usually increases for 3 or 4 days. After that the swelling starts to subside and majority of swelling has improved after 2 weeks. However, there is still significant amount of swelling left in the breast and it will continue to improve for up to 3 months. In some patients, it can be seen even longer than that. Usually we do not recommend 100% committing to specific bra size up 9  to 12 months after the surgery as some surprise... more
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon
+1

When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

Hello, After breast augmentation, the breasts will become moderately swollen and quite a bit firmer than normal, both from the presence of the addition volume of the implant, and also from the general puffiness that accompanies handling / traumatizing the chest wall tissues. The general direction the breast goes is less firmness, with relatively small decreases in absolute size as healing progresses. Dan Downey MD FACS Downey Plastic Surgery Seattle, WA, USA... more
Dan Downey, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Cup size and swelling after Breast Augmentation

Swelling after breast augmentation is completely normal and expected, and it typically lasts for as much as six weeks after the surgery.  I recommend a soft, supportive bra without underwire or "push-up" padding for the first six weeks--don't worry about cup size during this period of healing!  After six weeks or so, it is a good idea to go and get properly measured and fitted for new bras.  At that point, your size should be pretty consistent.  Also,... more
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

It takes about 6 weeks for the breasts after augmentation to reach their final volume and shape.

Swelling after breast augmentation will add a small amount of volume and rigidity to the breast tissue that artifically supports the implant.  Understanding that convalescence is variable, allow about 6 weeks for the gross swelling to subside and reveal the final volume and shape of the breast.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast swelling after breast augmentation will settle

Any surgery, breast augmentation included, creates swelling that will take time to resolve.  The more extensive the surgery, the longer for the swelling to settle.  In our practice we generally tell our patients that they should wait a month before 95% of the swelling is gone and at that time they can go out and by new bras.  Until then there is swelling that needs to resolve, and the implant settles down.
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

+1

Bra cup sizes vary

It is important to remember that bra cup sizes vary between different bra manufacturers. What fits 34C in Cosabella, may be too tight or a bit loose in a comparable Victoria Secret bra. The swelling will go down, but it usually takes at least one month...and frequently longer. I recommend that my patients wear a snug fitting sports bra for the first four weeks after surgery to provide both compression and support. In the mean time, have a few different size bras available.
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation recovery

Kcali, 5 days after surgery you should still be wearing some sort of post surgical bra or supportive sports bra. There is no reason to try to determine your cup size at this early period. The postoperative swelling and bruising may take a week to several weeks to completely subside. Additionally the skin and muscle will stretch to accomodate the implant which will change the position over the first several weeks. You should have a pretty good idea of the size and starting tryin bras... more
Sean A. Simon, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation and swelling

Swelling from breast augmentation can take several weeks to months to completely subside. Most of the swelling will go away after a few weeks, and the breast should get a bit smaller. 
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation does not cause swelling

There should be very litle swelling after breast implant surgery. The breast is really not involved with the surgery, even with a nipple incision. Your breasts will get somewhat smaller in four weeks, but not much.
G. Gregory Gallico III, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Just wait

You will be fine. This is very common and as long as you have symmetrical swelling you will do fine. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and be active.  
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wait at least 5-6 weeks after breast augmentation before buying new bras

There is a significant amount of swelling associated with Breast Augmentation in the first few weeks. You have probably noticed changes even in the first 5 days. Initially you notice minimal cleavage due to swelling. Within 7 days, that area has become more normal. The implants may be "riding high" at this time. Your physician will recommend massage exercises to start within the first week or two. This will relax the muscle, reduce the swelling and allow the implants to... more
David A. Dreyfuss, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post op swelling is part of the answer

Congratulations on your surgery! It is very common to be swollen for the first few weeks after any type of surgery so it might take some time to see the final result. Also, just a comment about bra cup size. Not all C cups are equal. We in our practice have found over the years that one brand might identify their bra as 38C which fits one way and then another brand identifies the bra as a 36D and both fit the same. Hope this helps,
Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD

Westchester Plastic Surgeon
+1

325 cc implants on your frame will give you a D cup

To kcali, After breast augmentation, there is usually very little swelling . Of course, your breasts will get a little smaller in the next couple of weeks. But I think your implants are just too big. The good new is that, as you get used to them, they will not seem so big.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after breast augmentation can persist up to 4 months

I find that the majority of swelling is gone after a month even though some can persist for 3-4 months in some patients. Very small amounts of swelling can persist even longer but is usually not significant. I would not get worried about your size until you have waited at least a month. Different surgical techniques can also have some differnces in swelling so be patient and listen to your surgeon.
Gary Hall, MD

Kansas City Plastic Surgeon

www.hallmd.com

+1

Swelling is variable

Hi there, The amount and duration of swelling after breast augmentation is very variable between patients, but can last up to about a month. That's part of the reason we limit you to a sports type bra for 4 weeks after surgery. Hope that helps!
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

It takes about 3 months for the tissues to settle

Kcali, It takes about three months for the tissues to settle and the swelling to resolve. A majority of the swelling will go down in the first months. However, you will see subtle changes over the next several months. Good luck with your recovery.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

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