How much swelling is too much? And is dizziness normal 4 days after breast augmentation with fat transfer?

Question

I am 4 days postop from a breast revision/fat transfer, & my left breast is swollen, I can hear fluid & air inside,I can also feel excess fluid.I went across the country for surgery (bad idea I know now) so I am unable to go see my PS. And the day after surgery, for my post op, I found out my PS went on vacation and I wouldn’t get to see a doctor.I have also been feeling a little dizzy, is that normal? Is sloshing sounds and noticeable fluid normal? As long as it’s improving should I not worry?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  It's hard to determine the answers without seeing you in person.  I would recommend you finding a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate you where you are.  Swelling is a variable thing and most of the time normal.  The sloshing sounds could be the antibiotic irrigation that they place into the breast pocket before placing the implant or it could be a seroma building up.  The dizziness could be from the narcotics and or the antibiotics that you maybe on after surgery.  Best of luck to you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.Sloshing sounds is very common early postop. It should be temporary as your body reabsorbs any swelling. However you should be seen by a physician to ensure it is not a seroma. Dizziness is also common after surgery as well. However, it is better to have an in person assessment by a physician to be sure.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

The swelling starts to peak around the second day after surgery. It is normal for your breasts to feel tight and stiff. It is also not uncommon for the breasts have different reactions on each side. But the feeling and the sound you describe might need special attention. It might be seroma (excessive fluid build up under the skin). If you are unable to be examined by your own surgeon, you may want to find a board certified surgeon close to you and consult him.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Woo Jung Kim, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There seems to be a lot of fluid on the surgical site. It is not a very dangerous situation, but antibiotic treatment and observation are necessary. You may experience slight dizziness for a few days after surgery.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns.  You really should have the PS who performed your surgery manage your postoperative care.  If you are concerned, then I encourage you to seek out a PS locally but be prepared to have them charge you for this care since they did not actually perform your surgery.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Tough to give you advice about this issue without a good exam.  I would recommend that you have your surgeon take a look at your issues.  The dizziness might be simple explanation is that it could be caused by your pain meds.  Have your surgeon assess for all this in person if you are really worried.  Good luck with your healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear samwilliams,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

samwilliams. I know I sound like a broken record, however, unfortunately your story is just one of many trials and tribulations of having your surgery far from your surgeon and where you live. While your photographs appear normal, you absolutely need follow-up care.  Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, but expect to pay a nominal consultation fee. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your recovery difficulties.  Unfortunately without knowing the full details of your procedure it is difficult to offer definite advice but initially after implants/fat grafting placement some air and fluid can be "heard" within the tissues.  This should spontaneously improve daily, and resolve within 1-2 weeks.  As for your symptoms anesthesia and use of pain medication may be contributing to dizziness but I would see if a local surgeon would be willing to help you with recovery to ensure your safety.  Hope this helps.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.   Dizziness can be from your pain meds/muscle relaxer.   You really should find a local Board Certified PS if you can't see the PS who performed the surgery.   Sometimes you can feel a sloshing which is temporary and harmless but it also can be a seroma , hard to say without exam.