After my breast augmentation I feel like my bandages are so tight I am having trouble breathing. Should they be this tight?

Question

I am supposed to have my wrap removed by my surgeon 7 days after surgery. Is this normal? I feel like it's to tight, and I am having a hard time breathing. I went from 34b to dd. silicone high profile 525 cc. under the muscle. I feel like I would feel so much better if I was not wrapped up so tight, and everything I see on the internet, people are getting to take there bandages/wraps off after a day or two. I am so uncomfortable, I just want to breath!!!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

No it should not feel that tight, call your doc to see if you are having a bleed or is it just that the bandages need to be loosened

Orlando Llorente, MD · Answer

You should always follow your doctors instructions post-op. But if you feel uncomfortable you should let your doctor know. You should not be having trouble breathing, so you may have to loosen up the bandages.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

I usually advise patients to follow their surgeons' post op instructions. They have a reason for them and should be followed as best as possible. But if you are having trouble breathing and are really uncomfortable, I can not think of a reason that you could not remove or loosen your bandage. I would suggest calling your surgeon and asking the question directly. Most surgeons do not use a chest compression wrap which would indicate that removing it really should not cause any issues.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Every surgeon is different.  I prefer to see and unwrap my patients within the first 3 days after the operation.  If you feel constricted you need to call your plastic surgeon and get advice.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Some surgeons still wrap the chest circumferentially with bandages. Many of us have abandoned that and find that using a supportive, comfortable sports/jog bra is adequate. You should be evaluated now as not only could this contribute to an increased risk of pneumonia if you can't breathe deeply, but it is possible your difficulty breathing could be from something unrelated to the wrap. Hopefully it just requires loosening/removal and you will be more comfortable and ultimately happy with your results.

After my breast augmentation I feel like my bandages are so tight I am having trouble breathing. Should they be this tight?

Answers (8)

Answer: Dressings after surgery

Answer: Dressings after surgery

Answer: Tight bandages

Answer: Tight bandages

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

After my breast augmentation I feel like my bandages are so tight I am having trouble breathing. Should they be this tight?

Answers (8)

Answer: Dressings after surgery

Answer: Dressings after surgery

Answer: Tight bandages

Answer: Tight bandages

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.