17 days post op Breast reduction, I woke up with my right breast really hard, red and swollen. Very painful. Suggestion? (photo)

Question

I called my dr he said its normal, told me take Motrin and put warm compress. I have no fever and no drainage from incisions. Has anyone else experienced this?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Any type of strenuous activity can induce swelling and bleeding, especially during the first 10-14 days after surgery. Therefore, limit your exercise to walking during the first month. In general, guide your activities by your discomfort — that is, if an activity hurts, do not do it. You will tire easily and you may want to limit your hours on your first few days back. If the swelling or discomfort increases, you have probably done too much too soon. One month after surgery, you may start easing yourself into your usual exercise routine with strenuous exercises permitted after 6 weeks. Remember; do not push yourself too quickly.  Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. 17 days after Breast Reduction, it's not time enough to express a valid opinion of results.On the other hand, generally to avoid the normal p.o. swelling, I recommend to limit the arms movement for two weeks. Also it's not advisable to carry weight and take the antiinflamatory painkillers drugs.Finally, I recommend you always use a therapeutic bra.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Common things that can cause swelling and tenderness after a breast reduction are normal swelling, a seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis or an infection.  It is unlikely that a hematoma would present this far out from your surgery.  A seroma is a fluid collection that you might be able to feel though your skin.  A seroma could get infected as well as the skin itself.  I think your doctor did the correct treatment.  If it is just localized swelling the warm compress and motrin may soften things up and help with your discomfort.  If it is an infection, then it will "declare" itself and begin to get worse, in which case you have your diagnosis.Fat necrosis is a small piece of fat that didn't survive the operation, and can also present as localized firmness after Breast reduction.  For the most part that is not dangerous.  It can partially resorb over time.  Uncommonly it is removed surgically.I hope this helps :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your surgeon has the best opportunity to evaluate your breasts for possible infection, etc..  Keep in close contact with your doctor until this resolves.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

call your doctor and go to see him as soon as possible. This should be seen not answered over the internet.

17 days post op Breast reduction, I woke up with my right breast really hard, red and swollen. Very painful. Suggestion? (photo)

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17 days post op Breast reduction, I woke up with my right breast really hard, red and swollen. Very painful. Suggestion? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Problems

Answer: Problems

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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