Can You Explain the Upper Pole Fullness/swelling After Breast Augmentation Surgery? (photo)

Thank you for the question and pictures.

Although some of the “bulgy” look at the top of the breasts  after breast augmentation may be related to swelling,  most of the is related to the location of the breast implants. The breast implants are “riding high” because the pectoralis muscle is contracting and maintaining the breast implants higher on the chest wall.

I see this phenomenon routinely after breast augmentation surgery;  it may take several months (and even up to one year) for the breast implants to fully settle (" drop and fluff”). Although many patients may not believe it, the breasts often appeared larger as the implants settle.  I think that “downward” massage  may be helpful in expediting this process.

I hope this helps.

The period of time immediately following breast augmentation
surgery is characterized by rapid change.During this dynamic phase of healing, swelling, muscle spasm and the
healing process itself all contribute to changes in the appearance of a woman’s
breasts.In some
cases, superior implant malposition can result from swelling and muscle spasm
when implants are placed beneath the pectoralis muscle.Based on your pictures, I believe this is a
distinct possibility.In other cases,
superior implant displacement may be due to inadequate dissection of the muscle
insertions of the inferior portion of the breast pocket. With
time, assuming adequate pocket dissection, these implants will usually drop
into a more normal position.Sometimes,
the use of a bandeau superiorly and massage may facilitate this process.It may take 3 to 6 months for these implants
to drop into a normal position.If no
progress has occurred by then, revisional surgery may be necessary.This would involve recreating the lower
portions of the breast pocket. It’s
important to have good communication with your plastic surgeon.Make sure he is aware of your concerns.He is familiar with the specifics of your
surgery and will be able to give you appropriate direction.

Hello! Thank you for your question! You are still early post-procedure. Your appearance looks typical at this stage and will continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the implants continue to settle into their desired position. This usually proceeds over the next several weeks as the lower pole skin/breast stretches to accommodate the implants. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for additional restrictions/instructions and the potential use of bras/garments or massage that may encourage the implant to settle appropriately. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!