One boob higher and harder than the other. I’m 3.5 weeks post op with gel implant under the muscle. (Photos)

Question

I’ve recently got my stitches re done due to it splitting. However, from the very beginning of my post op I realised my left boob was slightly higher and more swollen than my right one. It’s now coming up to 4 weeks post op and it’s still slightly higher and fuller compared to the right one but have no pain at all. Is this normal? I’ve been reading about capsular contraction and haven’t found anything about early symptoms. Should I be worried?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  It is quite normal at 3.5 weeks to have one implant a bit higher than the other.  My strong advice is to wait a full 4-6 months before considering the result of your breast augmentation procedure.  Implants will soften and settle into the pocket as healing progresses.  Good luck.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

While it's normal for breasts to feel different or seem unequal throughout the healing process, noticeable changes or soreness may indicate a more serious problem.
The following are a few potential causes of the unevenness:
Swelling It might take many months for the swelling to fully go down, which could change how your breasts feel and look.
Implant positioning: The symmetry and form of your breasts may change depending on where the implant is placed.   
The healing procedure: It is typical for there to be some differences while your body adjusts to the implants.  
Four weeks following surgery, hardness or unevenness may be related to capsular contracture, but this is less prevalent at this early stage.
Capsular contracture often manifests within the first two years following surgery, and it is more likely to become apparent months or even years later. Rarely, though, the first indications of capsular contracture might show up in a few of weeks.
It's crucial to speak with your plastic surgeon. In our office we do complete exam to assess the breasts and identify the underlying reason. Even if capsular contracture might not be the most plausible cause at this early stage, following up with your surgeon, allows him to take care of any issues right away to guarantee the best possible healing and outcomes.
Hope this was helpful
Best wishes
Dr Ali Sajjadian (Triple Board Certified Plastic Surgeon)

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

You won't see your final results for months after your breast augmentation. It is not uncommon for one implant to settle into place before the other. Try to be patient, and over the next few months you'll likely be very happy with your results. Occasionally, one implant doesn't settle into place correctly, and if this occurs a revisionary procedure can be performed to fix this.  However, it is much too early to know how you'll end up looking.  Chances are you'll end up looking great!It is really too early to have a capsular contracture, so don't worry about that either....Thanks for sharing!

Eric Wright, MD · Answer

Hi,  you are still early in your recovery period.  Each side will heal at different rates.  It is good your recovery is going well and you do not have any pain.  The best thing at this point is to keep your postoperative appointments and follow the instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.Dr. E Wright

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nicoleandrea_,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

One boob higher and harder than the other. I’m 3.5 weeks post op with gel implant under the muscle. (Photos)

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One boob higher and harder than the other. I’m 3.5 weeks post op with gel implant under the muscle. (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Augmentation Recovery

Answer: Breast Augmentation Recovery

Answer: BA results

Answer: BA results

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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