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Can You Explain the Upper Pole Fullness/swelling After Breast Augmentation Surgery? (photo)

My question says it all. I notice that after breast augmentation, pretty much all woman has a period of this "bulgy" look at the top of the breast. Some say its the implant that hasn't dropped yet, or muscle not relaxed, and some say its from swelling..What exactly is happening in that area? I am completely pleased with my result, but from the side it looks funny (from that upper pole uneven look after surgery) How long does that normally last? What is it exactly that causes that?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lawoman2

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Implants have not fallen

Thanks for the excellent pictures. How long ago was your procedure, I do not think I saw that in your question. Your implants are riding high. If it is within the first several weeks, they can continue to drop on their own and you can speak to your surgeon about massage or a device called a bandeau to help them fall. If you are several months out, they may not fall much further. Please speak to your surgeon.

Breast Implants “Riding High” After Breast Augmentation?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Although some of the “bulgy” look at the top of the breasts after breast augmentation may be related to swelling, most of the is related to the location of the breast implants. The breast implants are “riding high” because the pectoralis muscle is contracting and maintaining the breast implants higher on the chest wall. I see this phenomenon routinely after breast augmentation surgery; it may take... more

Upper pole fullness after breast augmentation

Upper pole fullness after breast augmentation is common after submuscular augmentation especially. It is my belief that the muscle, having been elevated off of the ribs has a period of time where it goes into spasm, forcing the implant up. Combined with perioperative swelling, it is typical for the implants to ride high for approximately 2 weeks postoperatively and then typically drop one night while the patient is sleeping. I believe the muscle simply relaxes and stops having spasm. If... more

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Can You Explain the Upper Pole Fullness/swelling After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Thanks for the photos posted. Reasons for early upper pole fullness are: Muscle spasm or contraction not allowing dropping of the implant, swelling, seroma/hematoma, poorly dissected inferior pocket. If over 2 months post op than I would be concerned for poor inferior dissection. Only treatment is revisional surgery.

Upper Breast Fullness

There are several reasons why the breast may have excessive upper fullness: 1) Early after surgery there is a component of swelling. Swelling usually peaks approximately two to three days after surgery and then gradually subsides over the next 10 days or so. 2) It takes time for the tissues on the lower aspect of the breast to relax and allow the implant to settle as a result of gravity. When the implant is placed beneath the muscle it takes... more

Upper pole fullness?

Upper pole fullness usually refers to the rounded, full look implants will give to the breast. The "bulgy" contour that you are referring to in your photos has to do with the implant not having settled just yet. If you are within the first few days to weeks after surgery, your implants will continue to "settle." However, if you are several months after surgery, you may not observe any other changes or "dropping." I would discuss with your... more

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