Can breast asymmetry resolve with massage? What does "crackling" sound mean? Why did one breast come out bigger than the other?

Question

It's been 3 weeks after the surgery and my breasts still look asymmetrical: left implant is higher than right. My surgeon keeps on telling me that I should be patient and continue massaging them which is what I have been doing religiously without any noticeable changes. I am running out of patientce. My breasts look asymmetrical: left is higher than right, right is lower and more swollen and painful. I also hear a " crackling" sound in my right breast when I make a sharp move or bend down.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It is quite common for each breast to heal/drop at a different rate. And 3 weeks post op is still really early in your recovery. For now, be patient and let your body recover. At 6 months, if you are still unhappy, speak with your surgeon about revision options. My best,Dr. Sheila Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very early in the healing process and it is normal to have left to right differences before and after surgery.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hang in there! As long as the shape and feel are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there are any compression garments, stretches or massaging exercises that can help speed your recovery.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello, I'm sorry you're having these issues. Patients often report certain sounds or noises after breast augmentation but these seem to usually resolve and can be due to a variety of things, most of them benign. Size differences could be due to fluid collections and small asymmetries can improve with implant massage. It is best to have your surgeon answer these questions since he/she can evaluate your breasts with an exam. If you are ultimately uncomfortable with those answers be sure to let your surgeon know and you may need to seek another opinion. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, I will see it is a bit early post-op being that it is only 3 weeks after surgery. 2nd, you likely had some asymmetry preop as well. Best to review with your doc.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Without photos it is not possible to offer specific advice.  I can say that many patients with nice even results by 3 to 6 months looked uneven early on. The chest muscles act independently of each other, and each relaxes to accommodate the new implants at its own pace. Consider re-posting your question with photos attached, preferably from before surgery and now.All the best.

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

It is very early in recovery, asymmetry is very common right after surgery and it can take 3 months for the higher implant to drop. You really need to be patient and follow your surgeons instrcutions. Ask about a pole wrap. Crackling sound can be air in pocket or irrigation fluid, bring this up to your surgeon

Can breast asymmetry resolve with massage? What does "crackling" sound mean? Why did one breast come out bigger than the other?

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