Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

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?

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98 Doctor Answers | Asked by kcali in california

Doctor Answers (98)
Community Comments (4)

+11

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

1-2 Weeks

Swelling really starts to subside at around 1-2 weeks but the final look occurs around 3-4 months!

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!

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

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

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Comments (4)

NoMoreBoobEnvy (RealFriend) 8 Jan 2013

What are your final results?! I hope I stay as big as I am now LOL! ;)

SmrtCookie 5 Nov 2012

I'm similar to you in build, and as you may know every patients response to surgery is different. I had saline done ~ 6 years ago right before silicone was released, went under muscle small scars and I was up and around in 3 days. I wear a 34 D in some bras in others 32 DD (chantelle). I have to tell you the best advise is to get professionally measured for a bra and that is NOT victorias secret majority of women wear the wrong size bra, Nordstroms does a very good job

detroitchick 5 Oct 2012

I am 5'5" 117 lbs & got 275cc moderate silicone..I started with barely anything. I am 3 months out and wear a 32D. But don't get hung up on cup size. I do NOT look like a D in clothes, maybe a large B or small C. Although naked or In a Bikini I look bigger than clothed. Besides cup size is dependent on band size too.

hopejoy 31 Jul 2012

I am the same height and weight as you, and have just gotten the same size implant. I too just went to purchase sports bra and am worried because I fit into a D cup. Can you please let me know your final results?

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