Swelling by the ribs and abdomen after breast augmentation. Is this normal? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and photo.  In short, yes, patients can experience some swelling on the abdomen after breast surgery.  The rectus abdominus (six pack muscle of the belly) comes off the rib cage, at the bottom of the breast.  Since it is so close to the surgical area, you can experience swelling.  Mild swelling can be expected. If the swelling continues to get worse, contact your surgeon for an evaluation.

Thank you for your question. Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation. Swelling follows gravity and thus your abdomen (and sometimes the thighs) will experience more swelling and add confusion to the post-op period. You may even notice that you've added many pounds on the scale that cannot be explained solely by the addition of implants. You should notice a decrease in the abdominal swelling with each week that passes by.

Gravity will settle swelling and sometimes bruising to the upper abdomen and lateral chest wall. Expected and not to worry.

There can be some swelling after a breast augmentation but it is usually confined to the breast.  It is impossible to give you any meaningful answer without a direct examination, so your best course of action is to return to your surgeon for a detailed examination.  Your surgeon knows best what was done and what to expect after your surgery.

Thank you for the question but, despite good intentions, online consultants will not be your best resource in this situation.  For meaningful advice and/or reassurance, best to communicate your concerns directly with your plastic surgeon. Having said that, generally speaking, some swelling/bruising that moves into the upper abdomen or rib cage area is commonly seen after breast augmentation surgery. Fluid/inflammation tends to move  into the areas around the breasts ( “dependent” areas) during the first few days after breast augmentation surgery. Again, your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource.  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Some swelling can occur in the areas around the breast after augmentation. However your description of fluid sounds unusual. Please see your plastic surgeon for an exam and diagnosis.