Breast Augmentation: Q&A

Ask a Question

Different Breast Size 2 Weeks Out

I am currently 2 weeks post op from breast augmentation and a lift in one breast. Up until now, both have appeared identical in their size and swelling. In last couple of days I have noticed that the one without the lift seems to become a bit smaller/less swollen. Could this just be that the one with the lift (having had more surgery) will stay swollen longer due to longer healing time? I had silicone placed under the muscle. Thanks!

Tags:

swelling uneven breast size

Comment on this

19 Doctor Answers | Asked by vandymommy in Chattanooga

Doctor Answers (19)
Community Comments (0)

Asymmetries Are Common!

It is common to see differences early after surgery. It is normal to see the breasts heal at different paces. Do check with your surgeon to be sure!

Breast size difference after augmentation-mastopexy

Hello and thank you for the question. You are very early in the healing process. As my colleague Dr. Placik was mentioning, swelling may persist for several months and it is indeed possible that the breast that underwent a concomitant lift has more swelling. Keep in mind that perfect symmetry is difficult to achieve. You may a slight asymmetry following the resolution of swelling several months down the line. For now, I wouldn't worry a whole lot as there is nothing to do but wait... more

Different size breasts after surgery

It is common to have different size breasts after surgery. You likely had asymmetry before the surgery and will most likely have some after surgery. While there may be a great improvement, you will probably still have some asymmetry. Also, given that you had a lift on one side only, you are correct in thinking that the side with the lift will stay more swollen longer. I would recommend that you give at least three months to allow the swelling to subside before you judge the results. ... more

Breast augmentation

The more surgery performed will result in greater post-operative swelling. Also, be aware that the final result may not necessarily have symmetry (i.e. the areola may be a different size and roundness,etc).

Breast asymmetry just two weeks after breast implants

As your breasts were uneven before breast augmentation and a lift was needed on one side, the healing curve will be different and the breast with the lift is likely to stay swollen longer, and the time to settling in different than the opposite breast. It may take several months for the breasts to equally soften and shape, and some asymmetry will persist. One word of caution though, if you were really very even right after your procedure, let your surgeon have a quick look to make... more

Breast size difference 2 weeks after surgery

Since you had two different procedures done on your breasts, then it is possible that one side has longer lasting swelling than the other. You may want to mention this to your surgeon just to make sure no fluid collections are forming.

Two weeks post-op asymmetry

If the breasts looked fairly equivalent a few days ago and now one is much larger, I would be worried about a hematoma. You should check with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Too early postop to tell

It is too early after your surgery to know just how the breasts will "settle". This is a normal 6-8 week process as the initial swellling resolves and the implants descend slightly with gravity as the overlying tissues stretch. In general, it is quite likely that some degree of asymmetry can persist despite any attempt at addressing differences in the two breasts. In your case there must have been some asymmetry identified as you had a lift on... more

Asymmetry post breast augmentation

It is possible to have some residual asymmetry after a procedure such as yours. It is much to early to assess your postoperative result. I would wait 2-3 months to allow your implants to settle into final position and the breast lift scars to settle. At this point, you can determine if you are happy with the symmetry of your breasts, or whether further surgery would be indicated. Close followup with your plastic surgeon is necessary to assess your progress.... more

Asymmetry two weeks after breast augmentation is (usually) normal!

Swelling is almost always different between breasts even if the same operation is done on each side--one side will also bruise more, tingle or hurt more, drop and settle faster, etc. These differences are even more pronounced when the surgical procedure is different for each side. So it is probably normal. At two weeks post-op, however, you are stiil at risk for bleeding inside your breast pocket. If the swelling seems more than you expect, or if the breast is firm compared to the... more

Asymmetry is normal a few weeks after surgery

Asymmetry is normal. The amount of swelling present will vary and is affected by the fact that the 2 sides were different preoperatively and by the fact that more surgery was performed on one side. The healing process can take a long time. Most of the swelling disappears after afew weeks, but it can take a few months for all of the swelling to disappear and for the breasts to settle. Be patient, and contact your doctor to discuss any concerns you may have. more

Different Breast Size 2 Weeks Out

Best to see a posted photo! But yes it is early to comment on size differences. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski

Too early

The combination of the lift and implant is a hard procedure and on the top of it doing the lift on one side makes it even more difficult. Give it 4-6 weeks and do not be surprised if you need revision.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Different breast size after surgery

I agree with others. You are only two weeks out from your surgery. It takes at least 4-6 weeks for the swelling to subside. Implants will settle in 2-3 months. You have had more surgery on one breast; therefore, the rate of healing will also differ between the two breasts.

Size difference 2 weeks after surgery

As my colleagues have stated, it is way too soon to determine your final size. Depending on what was done in your surgery, it can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months for swelling to resolve and your implants to settle. Please visit with your plastic surgeon to express your concerns.

Breast augmentation post surgical swelling.

There are studies and special volumetric cameras and imaging devices that have shown that the breasts may remain swollen, approximately 10% larger, for up to 9 months after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Healing after breast augmentation

This early on with two very different operations on each side, you sound like the differences are totally normal. But maybe you should visit your doctor to relieve your fears.

POST-SURGERY SIZE DIFFERENCE

You are early in your healing process. It is too early to make any definite decisions about asymmetry. The breasts will change most significantly in the first 4-6 weeks and sometimes 4-6 months before the final result will be apparent. Be patient and confer with your plastic surgeon.

Breast Asymmetry after Surgery

2 weeks after surgery is too early to get worried. Were the saline or silicone implants? It takes several weeks to months for all the swelling to resolve and the tissues/implants to settle. The best advice is to follow closely with your surgeon, but is way to early to start thinking about additional surgery. Good Luck.