Is this normal? Had a breast reduction last week and my sides look so swollen and purple. (Photo)

Question

I got breast reduction last week and also asked the doctor to remove some rolls of fat by the side of the bra area. When I came out of surgery my sides were extremely swollen and still are . A day later one of my drains wasn’t working and the I had narcosis. The doctor had to cut the side of my oblique and fixed it. Now I have a huge purple bruise and very swollen. The doctor said it was ok, should I be worried? I had surgery out of state and now I’m back home.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Everything appears to be healing as it should. Contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo!  You are only a week out so swelling and bruising is totally normal.  Make sure to follow all of your plastic surgeons post op instructions.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel 
Double Board Certifed
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Leopoldo Baccaro, MD · Answer

Hello,Glad you’re done with your surgery and now recovering. One week is very early after any surgery, including a breast reduction. Swelling and bruising is very common after these procedures. From the picture you uploaded, everything looks normal, and I wouldn’t worry. Although you may feel relatively well without much pain, I’d take caution and avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, pushing and pulling. Avoid big should movements as well. Your swelling and bruising should improved significantly 2-4 weeks after surgery. All the best!

Is this normal? Had a breast reduction last week and my sides look so swollen and purple. (Photo)

Answers (3)