I have a fluid feeling in my sternum when pushing towards the right breast. Is this a normal feeling? (Photos)

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  In the first few days to weeks after surgery the feeling of air or fluid in the breasts is not uncommon and tends to resolve spontaneously with time and healing.  Hang in there and address your concerns with your surgeon as they know the full details of your procedure.  Hope this helps.

Hi KTR12, thanks for your question and photos!  I hope you are feeling better after your breast augmentation.  It is not uncommon to feel fluid within or around your breast pocket after getting a breast augmentation.  During the procedure, the pocket is washed out with saline and antibiotic solution, which can remain in the pocket for days to weeks after surgery and create that feeling or sound of fluid in your chest.  As for the pain in your sternum area, it is also common to be sore throughout your chest, especially if this is your first augmentation.  However, I recommend seeing  your plastic surgeon for a follow up in order to fully address your concerns.  Best of luck!

Dear KTR12,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Swelling in the sternal area is not uncommon in the early weeks after breast augmentation. It is rare that the swelling would represent any issue with the pocket definition. The air/fluid you feel may be fluid in the implant (Ideal Implants are filled with saline, of course), or may be a little air in the pocket space around the implant, which will usually dissipate in time. There may also be residual antibiotic fluid or saline in the pocket that has not been absorbed yet. In time, implants settle and relax as the muscle spasm subsides and the skin envelope stretches, so be patient. In the absence of redness, unusual pain, excess tenderness or drainage, what your photos show appears to be normal early healing.

In the early postoperative period, the sternal area is often very swollen and bruised.  It is not uncommon for patients to complain of feeling fluid or air in the breasts.  This is often temporary due to swelling and part of the normal healing process.  Other times it is the implant you are feeling, which can feel less natural when a saline implant is used.  Less commonly, it could be a fluid collection in the pocket called a seroma.  It is not possible to determine the exact cause in your case without a proper physical examination.  I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation.  I am sure he/she would like to hear about how you are progressing.  Good communication between patient and surgeon is very important both before and after surgery.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD