When will breathing get easier after breast augmentation? 3 days post-op.

Question

I had 470cc each side and it still hard to take deep breaths. I'm 3days post op. When will breathing be back to normal and heaviness/pain be completely gone?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: 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.

ASSYMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you contact your surgeon to discuss your concerns at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling. Kind regards

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and I am sorry to hear of your breathing difficulties.  You should be experiencing a gradual improvement in both of these symptoms as your breast tissues stretch and the swelling from surgery resolves.  If you are not seeing an improvement, you need to speak with your surgeon and have an in-person evaluation performed.  Hope this helps.

Jeffrey Ridha, MD · Answer

While it is not uncommon to have some feeling of heaviness on the chest and difficulty with deep inspiration after breast augmentation, if you notice significant changes in your breathing, you should contact your surgeon immediately, to make sure that there is no other issue that has developed.  Best wishes.

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The tightness across your chest causing difficultly with breathing improves day by day. Usually at the end of the first or second week you will find that you can breath normally. If problems persist you must see your surgeon for a review.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Trouble taking deep breaths is not uncommon after a significant augmentation.  However, breathing issues should never be taken lightly, and warrant a more in-depth discussion than can be offered online with consultants you have never met.  Call your surgeon to get direct advice.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your breast augmentation. Recovery gets better after a few days and bigger breast implants that create more tightness will lead to a longer recovery. I suggest you contact your plastic surgeon if you feel you're not making progress. Additionally, the breast implants under the muscle are putting direct pressure on the rib cage and some medications are better at relieving that pressure. Speak with your plastic surgeon about medications that might help you get through this more comfortably. Best, Dr. ALDO

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Remember, since every patient is different it is best to be seen in person by a double-board-certified plastic surgeon for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Allan W. Perry, Jr., MD · Answer

You are swollen from your surgery only being 3 days post operative.  I am assuming  your implants are under the muscle which makes pain a bit more intense.  As your swelling goes down, your breathing will improve.  Also, once you get "used" to your implants, they will feel more and more like your own breasts and that feeling will go away.  Each patient is different.  Some patients feel better after 5-7 days.  Some patient take several weeks to reach that feeling.  Just give it time.  You are only 72 hours post op!

When will breathing get easier after breast augmentation? 3 days post-op.

Answers (14)

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