One Breast More Swollen After Breast Augmentation

asked 3 years ago by newmommy in Atlanta, GA
Latest answer by Christopher L. Hess, MD
Question viewed 9,486 times

I am just over 3 weeks post op breast augmentation. I received 425cc in right and 475cc in left. My left breast had to have the dual plane procedure. However, that one is way more sore than the right one. Is this normal?

10 answers to One Breast More Swollen After Breast Augmentation

Asymmetry is normal

Three months is plenty of time to determine the final outcome in breast augmentation. Although there continues to be changes over the next 3 months they are very minimal. The picture you provide demonstrates a very minimal difference. But remember that you were asymmetric prior to surgery. Your surgeon did the best he could to get you closer to symmetry after augmentation. You also have to remember that augmentation enhances the breasts so your surgeon has to limit this enhancement... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

www.hessplasticsurgery.com

It is still too early to tell

GIven that you had some asymmetry preop, and that the implants placed are different sizes, it will take some time for everything to settle before you know your final result. I would stay in close contact with your surgeon who can examine you and reassure you as you heal and as the implants settle into their final position. At the moment, based on your photo, I do see the slight difference that you are describing, but it appears to be within the limits of normal healing, and my guess is... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

The goal of surgery is to be less uneven. Asymmetry is normal

There is always more pain in one breast than the other and it is natural for you to compare. If you think about what surgically took place, let's review. Your SMALLER left breast recieved the LARGER implant. Whereas the opposite is true with your right breast. Let's use an oversimplified analogy. IF we put a baseball in your left blue jean pocket but put a golf ball in your right cargo pants pocket, how do you think they would feel different? The left breast is naturally tighter and being... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Difference in swelling and level of pain is normal

Hello There is always a difference in swelling and always a difference in the level of pain between one breast and the other. This is particularly true if different procedures were done on each breast, like you had. Make sure you follow up soon with your surgeon, keep him advised of your concerns, but you are still early on in the process to worry too much. Best of luck.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Two different-sized breast implants often look asymmetrical

Since the left breast implant is bigger, it is making the left breast look fuller. In time, the skin of the left breast will stretch to accomodate the larger breast implant and hopefully, will look more symetrical. Wait 3 months for this to occur. Be sure to address your concerns with your doctor. Using two different-sized breast implants to compensate for a breast asymmetry is often difficult. This is because the different implants have a different base width and projection. You will... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Too early to tell about breast swelling

It is not uncommon for one breast to be more swollen than the other for weeks or even months after a breast augmentation. I would give it at least 6 months for everything to settle down before considering a revision.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

Difference in swelling can be normal

It is difficult to tell from your photo what is the cause of your asymmetrical swelling without an examination. However, you have a larger implant on the left which will make that breast appear fuller and you have had more work done on the left which will result in more swelling. If the pain and swelling is significantly more than the right, I would recommend contacting your surgeon immediately for an evaulation to make sure there is no bleeding. Unfortunately bleeding can happen even after... more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Asymmetry in the early weeks normal after breast augmentation

At only 3 weeks, it is normal to have some difference between the sides. It is also expected that with a dual plane procedure on the left, with a different size implant, I would expect it to be sitting higher. Are you doing massage exercises? If not, it would be very important for you to see your doctor to get instruction. Massage is critical in the early weeks and months to relax the muscle and prevent contracture. Time is always difficult, because you want a perfect result Now. Follow... more

David A. Dreyfuss, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Life is asymmetrical

A little bit of asymmetry is normal and may well have been present preop as well. there will be some subtle changes over time so be patient. as long as your doctor doesn't think the asymmetry is due to a fluid collection, then all you need for now is tincture of time.

Bruce K. Barach, MD
Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Follow up with your doctor

It is hard to tell without examining you. If you have sudden unilateral and expanding swelling of the breast, then you should contact your doctor immediately. However, your left breast had a more extensive procedure so it will likely have more swelling than your right breast. Good luck.