Is it normal my breasts are rock hard at the top?

Question

I am 6 days post op from a breast lift, feeling pretty good so far, quit taking Norco on day 3, moved to Tylenol not just taking Bromilean. The top of my boobs are very hard like rock hard. Is this normal? Still wearing surgical bra feels very tight.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is common to feel some irregularities in contour and firmness shortly after surgery. Allow your tissues to relax and swelling to subside before assessing your results. This can take several weeks. However, if you’re particularly concerned, it’s always best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon since they’re more familiar with your situation.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

This can be normal after a breast lift procedure. You should deftly bring this up with your surgeon, but can probably wait until your follow-up visit.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Dani,  One always has some swelling after any operative procedure. Asymmetric swelling is more worrisome, but symmetric swelling may be just due to the surgery. Be sure that your nipples are a normal color. Check with your PS to be sure it is OK to put ice packs on the upper part of the chest. Better yet, check in with the office and discuss the swelling with either the doctor or his assistant.Best Wishes,Dr.Christine Rodgers

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Swelling takes several weeks to months to fully resolve. As the swelling decreases, the breast tissue softens. Just give your body adequate time to heal and you will start seeing a change in breast shape and feel. Good luck!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery.  It's extremely early in the recovery process, you are still probably very swollen and inflamed .  I would recommend following up with your surgeon to be evaluated to ease your concern.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear DANI_BURT,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 at 6 days  post op.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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you got implants with your lift, then yes, the hardness is from the implants and will slowly settle. If you did not have a lift, you might need to see your surgeon to be certain you do not have a blood clot.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for your question and provided information.
It is normal. You are still early on healing process and right now you might have one breast bigger than the other, feel swollen and also have bruises; this can happen for the first 4 to 6 months. 
Be patient, it is too soon to determine your final result.
If the situation doesn't improve over time, I suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

so its normal, as long as the size is not changing acutely as that would indicate a bleed until proven otherwise.  If you have any concerns during your recovery, you should always be able to contact your surgeon for advice and recommendations and most importantly, reassurances so you can focus on healing.

Carrie Houssock, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery!  It is very normal for your breasts to feel "hard and high" the first couple of weeks after surgery.  As the swelling subsides they will soften and drop.  Your surgeon will most likely give you a massage regimen to begin in order to coax the healing along in the right direction.  Continue to follow their directions and Im sure your outcome will be great.