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8 days post op the left breast implant is still sore/pain and swollen, is this normal?

I am 8 days post op from a full tummy tuck and a implants 385cc. My concern is my left breast implant. It is still very sore and looks swollen or bigger than my right one. My nurse doesn't seem to be concern but is this normal? My left has almost a burning pain on the inside. If I lift my arm or move the arm I can feel the soreness in the left but not in my right. Any recommendations on what to do help move the process along with the left breast or is this a normal thing?

Doctor Answers 9

Breast Augmentation Recovery

May 2nd, 2016
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It is not uncommon for one breast to be more tender on one side. However, swelling more on one side than the other can be a concern and should be evaluated by your surgeon. In the early stages of recovery the breasts can look and feel different. It is possible that you are experiencing nerve pain on your sore side. This is something that can be improved with a 2 week trial of gabapentin. As time goes on and you are still concerned be sure to talk to your surgeon.

Web reference: http://www.drchapin.com/plastic-surgery-philadelphia/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation/

Scott Chapin, MD, FACS
May 2nd, 2016

Breast Augmentation Recovery

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It is not uncommon for one breast to be more tender on one side. However, swelling more on one side than the other can be a concern and should be evaluated by your surgeon. In the early stages of recovery the breasts can look and feel different. It is possible that you are experiencing nerve pain on your sore side. This is something that can be improved with a 2 week trial of gabapentin. As time goes on and you are still concerned be sure to talk to your surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.drchapin.com/plastic-surgery-philadelphia/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation/

Scott Chapin, MD, FACS

Some soreness is normal

May 2nd, 2016
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At 8 days after your breast augmentation, some swelling and soreness isn’t uncommon when lifting or moving your arms, especially if you had submuscular placement. While breast augmentation is a single procedure, you have two incisions and surgery sites that may heal at different rates. Your right breast may simply be healing quicker than the left. Make an appointment to talk with your plastic surgeon and ask about recommendations specifically for you to improve the healing process. In the meantime, continue to strictly follow your post-op instructions.

Web reference: http://www.doctormeade.com/breasts/breast-augmentation/

Ricardo A. Meade, MD
May 2nd, 2016

Some soreness is normal

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
At 8 days after your breast augmentation, some swelling and soreness isn’t uncommon when lifting or moving your arms, especially if you had submuscular placement. While breast augmentation is a single procedure, you have two incisions and surgery sites that may heal at different rates. Your right breast may simply be healing quicker than the left. Make an appointment to talk with your plastic surgeon and ask about recommendations specifically for you to improve the healing process. In the meantime, continue to strictly follow your post-op instructions.

Learn more: http://www.doctormeade.com/breasts/breast-augmentation/

Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Recovery after augmentation

April 8th, 2016
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Congratulations on your augmentation! Everyone recovers differently and it really depends on what kind of augmentation you had and if the same thing was done on both sides. Sometimes increased activity with one arm more than the other can lead to unmasking new pain. If the breast looks different and feels different, it is important to maintain follow up with your doctor and have your concerns addressed in person as well. Everyone has different threshholds and types of pain. Somtimes a supportive bra can help but you should check with your doctor if they would be fine with you being in a bra. You are still very early in the recovery period. Best of luck, MMT

Web reference: http://westcountyplasticsurgeons.wustl.edu/Surgery/Breast-Surgery/Cosmetic-Breast-Surgery

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD
April 8th, 2016

Recovery after augmentation

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Congratulations on your augmentation! Everyone recovers differently and it really depends on what kind of augmentation you had and if the same thing was done on both sides. Sometimes increased activity with one arm more than the other can lead to unmasking new pain. If the breast looks different and feels different, it is important to maintain follow up with your doctor and have your concerns addressed in person as well. Everyone has different threshholds and types of pain. Somtimes a supportive bra can help but you should check with your doctor if they would be fine with you being in a bra. You are still very early in the recovery period. Best of luck, MMT

Learn more: http://westcountyplasticsurgeons.wustl.edu/Surgery/Breast-Surgery/Cosmetic-Breast-Surgery

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD

Implant soreness

April 8th, 2016
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Each breast may respond differently to implants.  It is not uncommon for one to be a bit more tender than the other.  If concerned, then follow closely with your surgeon.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD
April 8th, 2016

Implant soreness

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Each breast may respond differently to implants.  It is not uncommon for one to be a bit more tender than the other.  If concerned, then follow closely with your surgeon.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD

Post op care in breast augmentation

April 8th, 2016
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Early on breasts can look and feel different from one another. Swelling is a part of the normal course. If one of your breasts is significantly more swollen compared to the other side, you should follow up with your surgeon sooner to make sure you are healing well.  Good luck!
Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS
April 8th, 2016

Post op care in breast augmentation

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Early on breasts can look and feel different from one another. Swelling is a part of the normal course. If one of your breasts is significantly more swollen compared to the other side, you should follow up with your surgeon sooner to make sure you are healing well.  Good luck!
Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS

8 days post op, some advices:

April 8th, 2016
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Thanks for the question.
Its too early to talk about final results.
In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense.
In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.
Kind regards,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-
Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD
Dominican Republic Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 291 reviews

April 8th, 2016

8 days post op, some advices:

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thanks for the question.
Its too early to talk about final results.
In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense.
In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.
Kind regards,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-
Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD
Dominican Republic Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 291 reviews

Breast Augmentation - Post Op Swelling

April 8th, 2016
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Thank you for your question. You are still very early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Swelling usually accounts for 10 - 15% of the initial post-operative appearance. The implants may swell asymmetrically, but usually settle evenly. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Web reference: http://www.rottmanplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-baltimore/

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS
April 8th, 2016

Breast Augmentation - Post Op Swelling

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question. You are still very early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Swelling usually accounts for 10 - 15% of the initial post-operative appearance. The implants may swell asymmetrically, but usually settle evenly. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Learn more: http://www.rottmanplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-baltimore/

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS

8 days post op the left breast implant is still sore/pain and swollen, is this normal?

April 7th, 2016
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Thank you for your question.  Nothing replaces an in-person examination or full series of photographs, but it is not uncommon to have different recovery symptoms for each breast after augmentation.  This is largely because not each side of a woman's chest is symmetrical.  One may have required more work than the other in order to place the implants.  Unless there has been an acute change in appearance or sensation all is likely well, but voice your concerns to your surgeon.

Web reference: http://www.nelson-center.com/breast-augmentation.html

Nelson Castillo, MD
April 7th, 2016

8 days post op the left breast implant is still sore/pain and swollen, is this normal?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question.  Nothing replaces an in-person examination or full series of photographs, but it is not uncommon to have different recovery symptoms for each breast after augmentation.  This is largely because not each side of a woman's chest is symmetrical.  One may have required more work than the other in order to place the implants.  Unless there has been an acute change in appearance or sensation all is likely well, but voice your concerns to your surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.nelson-center.com/breast-augmentation.html

Nelson Castillo, MD

Breast Augmentation/ Breast Implants/ Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/Silicone Implants/Revision Breast Surgery

April 7th, 2016
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I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, I would recommend that you contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

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
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute
#RealSelf100Surgeon



Web reference: http://beverlyhillsbreastinstitute.com

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS
April 7th, 2016

Breast Augmentation/ Breast Implants/ Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/Silicone Implants/Revision Breast Surgery

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, I would recommend that you contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

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
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute
#RealSelf100Surgeon



Learn more: http://beverlyhillsbreastinstitute.com

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.