Uneven swelling after breast augmentation, any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I am 10 days post op and worried about the difference in swelling from my right to my left breast. My left breast has 400cc and the right has 425cc due to a slight unevenness in my natural breast size. Also I asked my surgeon for a natural look but at the moment they look very fake and sit very high. I had high profile motiva implants under the muscle and went from a size 34b. Any advice would be great.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It is completely common for each breast to heal/drop at a different rate. It's not anything to worry about.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

From your pictures, you do not appear to have any obvious problem.  It is common to have some differential swelling or mild asymmetry after breast augmentation for a few weeks or even months.  Don't worry, and stay with your plastic surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thank you for your question.You are very early in your recovery.It will take 3 - 6 months for your breasts to heal and settle into position. If you have any concerns contact your surgeon.Your results this far are beautiful. Best of luck.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Right now, you are very early on in the
post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable
having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you
to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image. There are many
variables that contribute to a breast augmentation's final result. Preop size
and shape, IMF location, location of the implants and type of implant. Patients
heal at different rates and each breast will sometimes heal at a different
rate. Rest, relax, recover and heal. Express your concerns to your surgeon so
he/she can examine you. Then reassess final result at 6 months.

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 breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

You are very early in your healing process so there is no way to know what your final look will be. I always advise my patients that it will take a good 4-6 months to see your final result to allow all the swelling to resolve and to let the implants drop and settle some. Swelling postop is normal but if you are very concerned, best to see your operating surgeon so you can be examined in person and reassured or treated if necessary. Good luck!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You have a ways to go..... You are very early in your postoperative recovery at only 10 days post op. Week by week things will soften and settle out. Right now the implants are sitting high because the pectorals are contracting and pushing the implant higher. The tighter the skin pocket is before surgery, the longer it takes for the stretching to occur. Gentle massage will help them feel more comfortable,and applying lotion or cream will help keep your skin from getting too dry and shiny from the tightness, Check with your doctor for exercises they may recommend you perform to help with the tightness. I attached a link of breast displacement exercises. Check with your board certified plastic surgeon before beginning. Hope this helps!

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions and picture.  You are very early in your healing process.  Your implants will soften and settle significantly over the next several weeks.  Differences in swelling at this stage are very normal.  Make sure you follow your surgeon's advice and ask any questions.

Kevin Bounds, MD · Answer

As you are only ten days post-op I would tend to reassure you. Typically, your implants will settle in the next few weeks and the initial swelling will resolve over the next several months.  Continue to work with your plastic surgeon as I feel you will likely be very happy with your results. Remember perfect symmetry does not exist naturally or as a result of surgery.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for the question and your photos.You are still in
the post operation recovery stage.  It is
not uncommon to feel numbness, hypersensitivity, pain, itchiness, and slight
abnormalities during this period.  It
usually takes about 2-3 months for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for
the implants to fully settle.  It would always
be best to visit your board-certified plastic surgeon and get a full assessment
for your concerns.  Best of luck. Dr.
Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Uneven swelling after breast augmentation, any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (17)

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