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,

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Your results are within normal limits

Answer: Your results are within normal limits

Answer: Firmness after breast augmentation

Answer: Firmness after breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Your results are within normal limits

Answer: Your results are within normal limits

Answer: Firmness after breast augmentation

Answer: Firmness after breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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