How can I deal with the claustrophobic feeling after breast augmentation?

Question

I keep reading about chest tightness after surgery. Is this like constriction that swelling causes and does it include feeling like your lungs are getting squeezed? I have surgery in 2 days, and I woke up a bit panicky last night night thinking about my beast augmentation causing me clausophobic feelings around my chest. Thanks for any input and clarification.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.This feeling may be caused from the ace bandage that some surgeons apply or from the compression bra being too tight. After your surgery you need to stay supported, but the compression does not need to make you anymore uncomfortable than you already will be.  If the wrap or bra, feels like it is constricting you or preventing you from taking deep breaths it is too tight.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Post operative tightness is quite common following breast augmentation.  It will not feel like your lungs are being squeezed.  You may want to communicate your concerns with your plastic surgeon to address your particular concerns.  Post operative pain medication will help but you may want to discuss an anti-anxiety medication with your plastic surgeon to help with your anxiety.  Good luck.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Wishing you the very best with your surgery.  As far as claustrophobia goes, I have never heard this from any of my breast surgery patients.  You will feel some tightness and heaviness from the implants and the swelling but this is definitely manageable.  Make sure that your surgeon talks to you about proper nutrition both before and after surgery.  What you eat can make a huge impact on how you heal!Good luck with your surgery!Warmest regards,Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

That is not something I commonly see.  The breasts feel engorged, and the two most common comparisons I hear are that it is like milk coming in, or also like a hard workout at the gym.Reassure yourself that gobs of women have this procedure uneventfully.Good Luck!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I have not had a patient complain of feeling claustrophobic after surgery but you often feel a sense of pressure and if your bra is too tight this can cause an increased sense of tightness.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

You might feel some tightness and heaviness after your surgery from the implant stretching your tissues, and some surgeons may also use a tight compression dressing after your surgery, but you shouldn't feel like your lungs are being squeezed shut.  Hope this helps!

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you went to the gym and did a tough class that made you do numerous sets of push ups, your chest muscles would be sore and it would be uncomfortable when you took a deep breath and stretched them. This is a better analogy. I have all of my patients start doing shoulder and chest stretches, gently and slowly on their drive home after their surgery and every hour that they are awake. this minimizes this problem.david berman md

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

s time goes by you will become adjusted with your implants and be happy.   It may take 4 to 8 weeks to feel that they are a part of you and then forget about them.   No worry is the goal.   My Best,  Dr Commons

How can I deal with the claustrophobic feeling after breast augmentation?

Answers (8)

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