Why do my breasts feel so hard after breast augmentation? (photo)

Question

I am six days post op and went with relatively small implants 350 cc and 375 cc. While the swelling has gone down considerably, they still feel really hard. I am unable to take narcotic pain killers due to an allergic reaction. Should I ice them or massage them? I read conflicting information on this site regarding massage. Thanks in advance for your input. Picture below is 6 days post op.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. You appear to have a great result and the swelling and firmness you are describing will subside over the next few weeks. You do not have "small" implants. In fact the diameter of your implant probably slightly exceeds that of your breast base. If you had very little breast tissue to start with, then the volume of your implant has caused a lot of stretch to your breast envelope. Don't be misled by the information you see with regard to volume. Talk with your surgeon about massage. I allow patients to use Ibuprofen and ice. Best of Luck!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

At this early juncture, you should be discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon because we each hav very specific recovery milestones and instructions.  Using general advise from the website could be detrimental to the final result because it does not take into account your specific operation.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Is so normal to feel them hard after 6 days post op. Do not eve think that swelling  has gone, it won´t be completely gone after 3 or 4 weeks after surgery.Yo should not massage neither use ice, this will be gone normally day after day. When the edema recedes they will make a natural folding. Be informed, also,  that pairs in the body do not recover symmetrically.Congratulations on your nice results.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Your photos look just fine. It takes several months for breast implants to start feeling soft. Be patient at this time. Many factors determine need for massage or lack of it. Seek answer to that question from your operting surgeon.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At one week post op it is way too early to assess your result.  Your breasts will soften and drop with time.  I recommend massage for my patients but it is something you should discuss with your surgeon.  Best of luck,

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are in post op, healing period. Your breasts will continue to change in the next several weeks and soften once the tissues stretched . Please follow instructions from your PS

Tom Tracey Gallaher, MD · Answer

At six days post op for a sub pectoral augmentation, you will have considerable fullness and swelling with the majority of these symptoms in the upper part of your breast.  You may experience intermittent spasms or pain in the upper breast as well.  These symptoms will subside over the next week to ten days for the most part.  Muscle relaxers will be more effective than narcotics and if not already prescribed by your surgeon, you may want to inquire about them.  Ice after three days has little effect.  Warm moist compresses may help but be aware that heating pads may be dangerous secondary to decreased sensation.  It is my experience that massage is of only symptomatic benefit and should be done gently.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You still have a fair amount of swelling and need to give yourself time for the implants to settle, the tissue to relax, and the swelling subside. I would suggest asking your surgeon about post operative instructions. Some implants are not massaged. Cold compresses may still be helpful.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It is very normal for breasts to feel firm and tight during the post operative phase. It can take several weeks for the implants to settle and soften. Be patient with your result. I recommend my patients not use ice/heat but allow your body to heal naturally. If your plastic surgeon recommends massaging this may help the breast start to settle and feel more comfortable.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You are very early in recovery and it takes many weeks for implants to soften. Understand that it takes time for your tissues to stretch to accommodate the new volume. Imagine how your tummy would feel if you recame several months pregnant in one day! It takes time for your body to expand..

Why do my breasts feel so hard after breast augmentation? (photo)

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