Is it normal to still feel extremely uncomfortable 5 days post bilateral breast lift, augmentation and liposuction?

Question

I had surgery Tuesday (it's now Sunday) and I am still really uncomfortable. My breasts feel extremely bruised, tight, achy and almost like the skin is going to tear. I also have a liposuction incision on my right hip that gives me the worst burning feeling every time I remove my compression garment or move it in the slightest way. Is this normal?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi ellenjean78,
  
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 5 days post op and it is normal to feel uncomfortable early on after your surgery.
Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively. 
  
At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery. 
  
Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position. Also, your breasts can drop at different rates. 
  
But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery. 
  
Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi Ellenjean17,Thanks for sharing your Question,Everybody heals differently, and it is normal for any patient to feel pain and discomfort after breast lift and Liposuction.Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. You will most likely feel pain and soreness around the incision sites, allow a few weeks for recovery, you should start to feel less Pain by then, try to void straining, bending and lifting. Speak to your Surgeon if you have any worries or concerns, and attend your follow ups
All the best

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Recovery will vary from patient to patient and procedure to procedure. The more work that is done the greater the discomfort and the lengthier the recovery.You are very early in your recovery. I would encourage a measure of patience. Based upon your description, the worst of your pain will be the initial 10 days to 2 weeks. Your complaints do not sound entirely out of the ordinary. However, you should be getting progressively better.As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It’s not uncommon to have some breast tightness after a BBA/lift. This should get much better in the first 2/4 weeks postop. The dismfort at your hip may be due to irritation of a sensory nerve at the liposuction access incision. I suspect that this too will get much better over the next 1-2 months. Time will be your friend. I hope this helps.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You're still in the early stage of healing. Healing after plastic surgery is a process and the earlier parts are the most challenging.  Emotions are a big part of the process as well. There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Swelling can be very normal after surgery, but you should definitely be evaluated.  I recommend
that you see your surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear about your discomfort. This early after surgery is just the beginning of your process. When in doubt the safest thing to do is check in with your PS to be sure what you are feeling is normal for the surgery that you had. Give your PS a call.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Feeling discomfort 5 days post bilateral breast lift, augmentation, and liposuction is not uncommon. These procedures involve significant surgical intervention, and it's normal to experience varying degrees of discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the initial stages of recovery. However, the intensity of discomfort can vary depending on individual pain tolerance, the extent of the procedures, and other factors. Here are some reasons why you may still be feeling uncomfortable:
1.	Surgical Trauma: The body undergoes significant trauma during surgery, which can lead to discomfort, soreness, and tenderness in the treated areas. This discomfort is typically most pronounced in the first few days following surgery but can persist to some extent for several weeks as the body heals.
2.	Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common side effects of surgery and can contribute to discomfort and tightness in the treated areas. It's normal for swelling and bruising to peak within the first few days after surgery before gradually subsiding over the following weeks.
3.	Compression Garments: If you're wearing compression garments or a surgical bra as part of your post-operative care, these garments may contribute to feelings of discomfort or tightness. While compression garments are essential for reducing swelling and providing support, they can also feel restrictive or uncomfortable, especially during the initial stages of recovery.
4.	Restricted Movement: Following breast lift, augmentation, and liposuction surgery, your plastic surgeon may advise you to limit certain movements or activities to promote proper healing. Restricted movement can contribute to feelings of discomfort or stiffness, particularly if you're accustomed to being active.
5.	Pain Management: It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's prescribed pain management regimen to help alleviate discomfort and manage pain effectively during the recovery period. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be recommended to help control pain and improve your comfort level.
While some discomfort and tightness are normal during the early stages of recovery, it's essential to monitor your symptoms closely and contact your plastic surgeon if you experience severe or persistent pain, excessive swelling, or any other concerning symptoms. Your plastic surgeon can provide recommendations and guidance to help manage your discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery process. Additionally, follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon to optimize healing and achieve the best possible results from your procedures.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for your question and provided information.
You are still early on healing process. Right now you might feel discomfort, have one breast bigger than the other, feel swollen, have pleats around the areola and also have bruises, this can happen for the first 3 to 4 months, and you can expect to see your final results after 6 months. What you are experiencing is normal. 
Please, be patient, but if the situation doesn't improve over time, I suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Nicholas Galardi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. You are still very early in your recovery, so it is common to still feel uncomfortable. If you have any major concerns you should schedule a follow up appointment with your surgeon. Good Luck.

Is it normal to still feel extremely uncomfortable 5 days post bilateral breast lift, augmentation and liposuction?

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