Shortness of Breath After Breast Augmentation

Question

I have had implants for a month, and a week after i began having shortness of breath. I can't take a deep breath and feel like my chest is burning. Went to doctor and lungs sound normal, had a chest x-ray, also normal. I am concerned. Never had problem before - could it be implants?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your implants are likely causing some pressure on your chest wall as well as distending and stretching the intercostal nerves which all may contribute to the symptoms you are describing. Over time, 2-3 months, the pressure and tightness will generally improve.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Experiencing shortness of breath after breast augmentation could be a serious concern. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to rule out any complications, such as anesthesia-related issues or respiratory problems. Contact your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room for a prompt evaluation. They can rule out a common feeling of the pressure of enlarged chest and feeling short of breath this can come with.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While being winded( tired from exercise or daily routine) during the post-op period is usually normal, shortness of breath is not. I always worry about a pulmonary embolus and that is definitely in the working diagnosis. You should definitely discuss this with your doctor.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

In a VERY small number of women we occasionally hear of women who have a harder time taking a very deep breath after placement of large implant. The size of the implants and gravity gently encumbers the full outward expansion of the chest in a full inspiration. In the vast majority of cases, this passes away as the skin softens and gives.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Although this could be a subjective problem from the size of the implants, the one thing you must rule out is a blood clot from the legs to the lung. Continued shortness of breath could indicate multiple clots. This also tends to come on a week or so after the surgery, as yours did. Frequently these do not show up on a regular X-ray until the lung tissue has died, and they do not cause a disturbance in the breath sounds. I would advise returning to your doctor immediately and having a specific tests looking for a clot (pulmonary embolus).

Shortness of Breath After Breast Augmentation

Answers (5)

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