Swelling on One Side After Breast Aug?

I had breast augmentation 3 weeks ago. I noticed today that one breast is larger and seems to be swelling. It feels alittle tender, but not painful and this side has felt more tender since I had the surgery. I took tylenol and it made the swelling go down but I didn't check to see if I had a fever. I feel concerned that I may be getting an infection because I went swimming and got in a hot tub briefly yesterday.

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swelling uneven 3 weeks post-op

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jess in NC

Doctor Answers (2)
Community Comments (1)

Post Breast Augmentation Unilateral Swelling

It is difficult to give an accurate opinion without pictures. However acute swelling in the post operative period is worrisome. This could be from accumulation of blood or serum, or even an infectious process. It seems as the swelling is inflammatory in nature as it subsided with Tylenol. I highly recommend close follow up with your surgeon as in cases such as these an in-person exam is key for accurate and timely diagnosis. Good luck.

Swelling on One Side After Breast Aug?

Sudden swelling on one side after breast surgery always raises a red flag, and a call and visit to your surgeon is in order. There could be a fluid collection of blood or serum, or an infection. Without a photo I would be hesitant to comment further, but even if you had a completely normal looking photo I would still urge contacting your surgeon.j Thanks for your question, best wishes.

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Jess in NC 5 Sep 2012

I went to the doctors and although my surgeon is out of town, the nurse said that it doesn't look like infection because there is no redness or pain to the touch, and there is going to be some difference in size while they are settling. She also said that if I'm more active and it starts to swell I may need to wait because it's too early to resume normal activities. However, I'd rather have had my surgeon examine me. How do the doctors determine if there's blood fluid building up behind the implant?

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