Is it normal at 3 weeks post op for one breast to be more swollen than the other?

Question

One breast seems to be more swollen than the other.. should I be concerned?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but without pictures and more details it is hard to advise.  Some asymmetry can be normal, but other cases many represent a problem--please call your surgeon to discuss.

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

After breast augmentation, your breasts can heal at different speeds. One may settle sooner than the other. One may resolve swelling more quickly. One may soften before the other one days. At 3 weeks, you’re very early in the healing process. Unless the swelling is new, one breast may just be healing a bit slower than the other one. If the swelling is new or significant, you may want to check with your plastic surgeon to ensure that everything is OK and your breasts are healing well.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is quite common for one breast to be a bit more swollen than the other following breast augmentation surgery.  That being said, increased swelling, redness or pain should be evaluated.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question and congratulations on your recent breast
augmentation procedure. At three weeks’ post-op, you are still in the early
stages of your recovery. It is not uncommon for your breasts to be healing at
different rates, with one more swollen than the other. Unfortunately, without a
photograph, it is difficult to provide any more specific advice for your
situation. It is important that you bring your concerns to your operating
surgeon, as he/she needs to rule out a more serious problem.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

I guess the answer to your question is "how much more swollen"? It is difficult to judge without a photo.Please call your PS to have him/her check you out.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

The answer to your question depends on the degree and cause of the swelling. It is impossible to answer your question accurately without photos and an exam, but in general, some degree of asymmetrical swelling can be normal.  If the swelling is just in the tissues, there is not much to do but wait for it to go away (icing and light activity helps as well).  If the swelling is from blood or fluid around your implant in the pocket, that may need to be addressed surgically.  This diagnosis can sometimes be determined by physical exam, and sometimes requires an ultrasound for further assessment.  I would contact your surgeon sooner than later to discuss your concern and see if an in-person exam is warranted. Good luck!

Eric Minns, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It is normal to have one breast swell more than the other.  However, being only 3 weeks out, I would not base your final result on the way it looks right now.   I generally tell patients to wait about 3 months before making any final size judgment.  Hope this helps.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a picture it is impossible to say.  It would be best for you to contact your surgeon if you are concerned and have him/her give you an exam.   Some degree of asymmetrical swelling can be normal.  It can take several months for the implants to settle into the pocket and for the swelling to go away completly before you see your final result.Best of  luck,Dr. Hisham Seify

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

The breasts will be swollen after surgery. This swelling subsides in 3 months.If the implants were placed under the muscle, it is typical to have more swelling on the side that you are hand dominant on. For instance if you are right handed, there is typically more swelling on the right breast and visa- versa.Best wishes,Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Suzanne M. Quardt, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is a major surgery, and healing and getting back
to “feeling normal” does take time.  Most
surgeons recommend a post-operative recovery time of 6-12 weeks, and it can
take even longer for all the post-operative swelling to disappear and the
implants to settle into their final position. 
I would encourage you to be patient during the healing process, as
difficult as that can be sometimes!

Is it normal at 3 weeks post op for one breast to be more swollen than the other?

Answers (14)

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