One Breast More Swollen and Sore 10 Days Post Op? (photo)

Hello. It is far too early to decide if you have post operative asymmetry. The implants are still falling into their final position and you are still experiencing swelling which may not be equal on each side. I would recommend you continue following any instructions from your surgeon and give yourself at least four months before you start to worry about your outcome.
 

Jaime Perez, MD
Breast Augmentation Specialist
Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Thank you for your question.You are very early in your recovery and breasts can heal at different rates. It will take time for the your breasts to heal and drop into position. Continue to follow your surgeons instructions and contact him/her with any concerns. Best of luck.

Thank you for the photos. You are still very early in your post operative course.  Breast implants tend to start dropping into place after 3 to 4 weeks. They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months. One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through changes. Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please also let them know your thoughts and concerns.

Thank you for submitting your question and photo. Your very early in your recovery from breast surgery. Your breasts will soften and the shape will change over the next several weeks. The left breast swelling and pain is concerning and you should go back to discuss your concerns with your Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes

Hi thereThank you for your kind enquiry.It is very difficult to tell is this is significant. You look as though you have a very nice aesthetic breast with a good early result but admittedly there is more swelling on your left breast.It is completely normal to have asymmetric swelling following an operation and this is very common with augmentation surgery. Please do give it time, wear a support bra and seek advice from your surgeonGood luck!

    A size discrepancy after breast augmentation with increased pain may be a hematoma or fluid collection, but the pictures do not necessarily suggest that.  This may be due solely to implant position.  It is best to have an exam by your plastic surgeon.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

It is very common for the breasts to heal at different rates especially earlier on in your recovery. Allow about 4 months for your breasts to even out and assume a more natural breast shape.

The photo you have shown the left breast looks much larger and higher than the right.  If the left breast was previously symmetrical at day one and then swelled larger than the right after that there is a definate chance there is a collection of blood around the left implant. If it was like this right after surgery then you have developed a hematoma.  A lot of blood will make the left breast tighter and more painful.  Taking Advil will only mask the pain and increase the likelihood of more bleeding as Advil thins the blood.  I do not allow my patients to take any NSAIDs such as Advil for at least a month for fear of bleeding and capsule contracture.   I would consult with your PS again or seek a second opinion.   Not evacuating a hematoma will always result in a hard breast due to capsule formation. 

It is always helpful to see pre-op photos.  Usually the two breasts are a bit different. You need to give it more time to heal.

You are still very early on in your post operative healing. It is not uncommon to be swollen and the implant(s) to be "out of  place" for the first 3 months or longer. In time the swelling will subside, your soft tissues will stretch and accommodate, allowing the implants to drop into position. Persistent swelling and pain might be indicative of a fluid collection (blood, serum). However the diagnosis should be made with an in-person exam by your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for the question. I hope this helps.