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Is Swelling and Tightness After Breast Augmentation Normal?

asked 3 years ago by LauraS in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Latest answer by Jaime Perez MD
Question viewed 9,158 times
Tags: silicone implant

I had breast implants put in 7 days ago. My breasts have become more swollen over the last three days and feel very hard; no pain, just tightness, aching/tingling. Is it normal to have these symptoms several days after the procedure? Most of the swelling is in the upper chest, above the nipple. My implants are under the muscle, 250cc Silicone gel.

25 answers to Is Swelling and Tightness After Breast Augmentation Normal?

+4

Swelling after breast augmentation

Hello, Swelling after breast augmentation can be caused by: 1) Normal swelling/healing process 2) Hematoma 3) Seroma 4) Infection There is always swelling after breast augmentation and this swelling usually is at its worst day 3-5. Swelling is also more pronounced above the nipple and areola when the implant is placed under the muscle. At 7 days after surgery, swelling that is realtively symmetric without signicant bruising and acceptable discomfort is... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+4

Normal to have swelling after Breast Augmentation

Swelling after a breast augmentation is almost always seen. And, if can increase for several days after the surgery. So to be more swollen three to seven days after the surgery than you were immediately after the surgery, is common. When the implants are placed under the muscle, the swelling appears higher on the breast, in the upper pole. This is because there tends to be more room for the swelling in this part of the breast than in the lower part of the breast. With the swelling there... more
David B. Reath, MD

Knoxville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Increasing swelling after breast augmentation

Thanks for your question - It is normal to have some swelling after breast reduction. The amount, timing and resolution can be somewhat variable depending on the techniques used and your body. Generally swelling should improve over the next few days. Persistent or increasing swelling, especially on only one side, could represent a hematoma (a collection of blood). Be sure to carefully discuss your situation with your plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com

+2

Swelling after breast augmentation lasts about two weeks

LauraS, Swelling after breast augmentation will vary depending on your chest size and breast size relative to the implant size used, and also on the location, submuscular vs subglandular. The breast swelling typically begins several hours after and can increase over the next three to seven days. The breast will feel firm and shiny, and it is typical for the swelling to appear over the top of the breast. For my patients I will use a soft cup bra without an underwire, which is worn 24/7 for... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+2

Some swelling and tightness following breast augmentation is not uncommon.

Some swelling and tightness following breast augmentation is not uncommon. This will depend on how tight the skin envelope is prior to augmentation, whether the implant is on top of the muscle, completely under the muscle, or partially under the muscle and the size of the implants used and your chest wall dimensions. It may several weeks before you feel more relaxed and may be two to three months before the implants feel completely 'settled'. Having said this, some patients have very soft... more
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

No pain, no gain?

Laura, The swelling that you describe may be normal. The concern would be whether you are developing a hematoma (bleeding under the tissues). If the swelling is pretty much equal on both sides, then hematoma is less likely. Call your operating surgeon. He/she would certainly like to know if there is something out of the ordinary. Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after breast augmentation is quite normal

What you are describing sounds quite normal, but if you have any concerns, the best person to evaluate you is your surgeon. Most of us are very happy to see our patients in these situations, if for nothing else than to reassure you that things are progressing normally. My advice-- call your surgeon, set up a quick follow up visit; I'm sure he'll be happy to hear from you! Dr. S
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Sounds like a common recovery experience so far

Hi there, It sounds like you are experiencing a relatively average recovery for the procedure you had done. I would be concerned if, in addition to your swelling and tightness you also had lots of bruising and a black and blue appearance, but as long as you don't, I would expect the symptoms you're having to resolve over the next week or two (obviously improving as that time goes by). Wear your support bra and keep all of your appointments. Congratulations on your new form! more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tightness and swelling after Breast Augmentation are normal

Tightness and swelling after breast augmentation are normal expectations, but these tend to improve after three or four days. Certainly check with your surgeon to see if you do not have a hematoma or seroma developing. If not, give things time.
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after breast augmentation can last for 3 weeks

Some swelling  and bruising is usually accompanies augmentation procedures and can last for approximately 3 weeks. In any case, it would be best to have your surgeon evaluate the situation yo see if he considers it to be "normal.
Barry H. Dolich, MD

Bronx Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling Post Breast Augmentation

Swelling you are describing sounds normal since you are only 7 days post surgery. I would recommend you talk with your surgeon to make sure everything is healing correctly. Best of Luck!
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is swelling and tightness after breast augmentation normal?

This new swelling is not normal but not alarming. Most likely the swelling is temporary and as long as it does not continue to get worse, it should resolve over time. If you have any concerns, follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Robert Heck, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tightness and swelling are extremely common and to be expected following breast augmentation surgery

Tightness and swelling are extremely common and to be expected following breast augmentation surgery and will vary depending on the unique circumstances.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling and Tightness after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Swelling and Tightness after breast augmentation surgery is very common and will typically resolve in the first several weeks. Swelling on one side that is greater than the other or excessive swelling can rarely indicate bleeding. it is important that you followup with your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns with him.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling and tightness after breast augmentation is normal...

Swelling and tightness after having breast augmentation is perfectly normal, so there is nothing to be alarmed about. You will be experiencing these symptoms for at least 1 week after surgery. Every patient is different therefore you may experience it for a bit longer.  Just continue to massage the breasts twice a day and follow your post op instructions. If you start to get severe pain and notice things are getting worse then I recommend calling... more
Shain A. Cuber, MD

Marlboro Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling and tightness after breast augmentation is normal at one week.

What you are experiencing is perfectly normal.  Complete resolution of these feeling may take as long as a couple of months.  You'll be fine in the coming weeks.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implants and swelling

Swelling about 1 week after a breast augmentation is normal. Unless there is extreme pain or significant asymmetry of the swelling, then it usually dissipates on its own. The soreness usually goes away as the swelling subsides. Increased activity level usually exacerbates the swelling.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling and tightness after breast augmentation is normal

Swelling and tightness is normal after breast augmentation but should improve rather worsen. You are describing your swelling as actually getting worse over the week and the breasts becoming hard. I would contact your surgeon for an evaluation if your swelling is worsening rather than improving. If overall you feel better and your pain is getting better, then you are recovering as expected. Your implants are on the smaller side so you should have an easier recovery than someone who has a... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling following breast augmentation is normal

Swelling following breast augmentation surgery is to be expected . This is based on the inflammation caused by creating the pocket for your implant as well as the implant itself. Swelling begins to resolve within 2 weeks of surgery and a majority resolves by 6 weeks. You may still experience a small amount as far out as 3 months following surgery. As your swelling resolves and your skin relaxes to accomodate the implant, your tightness will improve and your breasts will assume a more... more
David A. Robinson, MD

Munster Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need to see your doctor

Laura, It is normal for the breast to have moderate swelling after breast augmentation surgery. However, it the swelling continues to grow or is causing increasing pain or stiffness/hardness to the breast, you need to see your doctor to make sure there is not another explanation such as hematoma. Usually in hematoma, there is unilateral (one-sided) swelling/enlargement. However, it is possible to have it bilateral (both sides).
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Breast implants usually soften after 7 days

LauraS, Usually by 7 days after breast implant surgery, the breast begins to soften and swelling is subsiding. If you have been overactive, your chest muscles may be in spasm and swelling may have increased. However, an increase in swelling is not normal at 7 days if you have been quiet and resting. You need to call your doctor and be seen. It is important to make sure that you are healing normally and do not have bleeding or other potential problems. Subpectoral (under the muscle) breast... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+1

You could well have hematomas

To LauraS, Hi! See your plastic surgeon right away! After 4 days, swelling should have started to go down, not up. There should not be much swelling anyway. And your breasts should definitely not be hard. If you have even small hematomas (blood clots), they should be evacuated immediately, because even a small hematoma will cause your breasts to become hard (severe capsular contracture) for sure. Now, you may well be misinterpreting things and you may be just fine, but definitely see your... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is important that you communicate with your surgeon now

LauraS, You should contact your surgeon now and possibly see him or her for an exam. However, it is certainly common for patients to have post-operative swelling including the areas above the nipples. The symptoms may be normal, but in-person examination may be needed to verify this and reassure you. Call your surgeon.
Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after breast augmentation is normal

The swelling you describe is normal. You should be asking these questions of your doctor, because he or she is best equipped to answer all of your questions and concerns. Good Luck!
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sounds totally normal - too bad you needed to get the answer here!

It is very normal for patients to describe what you are having. Stay relaxed and calm, maybe ask your doctor for some muscle relaxers like Valium plus massage techniques to help with the process. Over 6-8 weeks, this will dramatically improve as your tissues stretch and accomodate to the implant. These are all things your doctor's office should have made very clear from the start so you weren't so worried that you needed to ask on the internet!
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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