My implants feel like they are going in my armpits! I am 1 week post op. What can I do to push them in? (Photo)

One week after surgery the breasts are quite swollen and the implants have not settled. Typically the breasts feel much more swollen than they actually are and may feel as if they are in the armpits. These sensations should usually subside over time. I always recommend following your surgeons instructions for postoperative care. Discuss your concerns with them and ask for any recommendations they may have.

Dear tashby82,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process at 5 days  post op.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

In your picture, your implants appear to be properly positioned. Some of what you're feeling is probably swelling that will go down with time. Continue to follow up with your surgeon and follow his or her postoperative instructions. Your surgeon is your best resource for information at this critical time in your recovery.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Unfortunately without a full exam to assess the degree of implant movement it is impossible to offer definite advice.  I would recommend speaking with your surgeon during your follow up visit to get the best answer.  Hope this helps.

Without being able to observe the displacement and the extent, it is impossible to recommend a valuable recommendation.Kenneth Hughes, MD, APBS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

You are early after surgery and it is normal to feel the swelling over the axilla. IF you have same issue after few months, please see your surgeon.

Your photo appears normal for after surgery. I have my ladies wear a sports bra for one month, but I would suggest discussing this first with your surgeon.

Your photos look normal for your postop status. I have found that using kinesiology tape on the lateral part of the breast and chest wall helps keep the breast implants from displacing. Once placed, I leave it on for 3 weeks, through showers and activity. Check with your physician before doing anything, as your best answer may just be reassurance!

Different recovery protocols are present for different patients. On average 1 weeks after surgery is early to the make a decision on ones final result, usually 3 months is required to consider if an area requires a revision or touch up correction. It is always best to follow up with your surgeon with any early concerns in-order for you to feel comfortable with your recovery.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

It is crucial to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is important for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind