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Breast implant removal. Now swelling. Lymphedema?

question1237Mar 17, 2015
I had breast augmentation removal (under the breast crease) 13 days ago with capsulectomy. Had drains for 7 days then removed. I drained 30ml,18,10,10,6,3,1respectively in the LEFT breast so they were no longer necessary. 4 days after drains were removed LEFT breast started swelling under the armpit first, along the side of my back, side of breast now on top and under breast. Got an ultrasound done and radiologist said breast tissue is swollen with possible lymphedema. What to watch out for?

Answers (4)

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Dr. George Bitar, MD
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Dr. George Bitar, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 115 Reviews
Answered on Jul 14, 2015
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Dr. Gary Lawton, MD, FACS
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Dr. Gary Lawton, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 338 Reviews
Answered on Mar 31, 2015
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Dr. Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC
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Dr. Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 145 Reviews
Answered on Mar 21, 2015
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Dr. Connie Hiers, MD, FACS
Dr. Connie Hiers, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Mar 27, 2015
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George Bitar, MD

Thank you for your question.  It is ok at any time to change your mind about an elective procedure.  Call your surgeons office or set up another appointment to talk further.

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Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS

Good day! Generally, 2 weeks is too soon to see final results as bruising and swelling may persist. Your must give your skin and muscles ample time to adjust and recover. Nipple inversion may occur after trauma and can be corrected with a procedure performed in the office under local anest...

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George Bitar, MD

You are correct that removal is slightly more tedious if the pocket is submuscular.  Results can be comparable with both procedures.

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Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC

Hi.  Although it's difficult to tell just through picture analysis, it looks like you have a nice shape and reasonable looking skin.  I'd try the explantaion without a breast lift - and give it 6 -8 months to see how your skin re-drapes.  You can decide if a mastopexy, with its...

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George Bitar, MD

Thank you for your question and congratulations.  You should discuss your travel plans with your surgeon.  You will not be 100% at one week so you may want to consider adjusting your plans.

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