6 days post op, one breast much larger than the other. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hello. I am 6 days post op from getting 430cc UHP silicone unders. The first day I saw my breast (post op day 2) they looked perfect. As time has gone on it seems like my left breast has become more sore and larger than the right. My left breast was smaller before surgery. I know I am only a few days out and it takes time for things to settle the way they should. I am trying not to worry but it's hard not to do so. I have called my PS, waiting for a call back.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.  During the post-operative period the breast are swollen, and the breast implants appear in a much higher position.  Over time they descend and fills out the lower half of the breast. In addition, it is not uncommon for one breast to be more swollen than the other and may even out with time (unless they were asymmetric in size to begin with).  It may take several months for this to happen and can be encouraged with breast massage and compression.  It may appear that the breast enlarges as the lower aspect of the breast fills out (at the expense of the upper portion of the breast).

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Slight volume asymmetry after breast augmentation is fairly common. Major asymmetries should be brought to the attention of your surgeon as a fluid collection might have generated this problem and would require drainage. I don't see anything in the photographs to be worried about.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

This is a great question, I hear it every day!  It is COMPLETELY NORMAL for one breast to be larger or higher than the other breast after augmentation. It takes several weeks for the swelling to resolve and for your implants to settle.So it's important for you to keep all your appointments with your plastic surgeon and to follow his/her advice.I hope this helps and wish you all the best!Dr Knoetgen

Zach Barnes, MD · Answer

First off you are very early after your operation and there is still a 
long way to go in the healing and settling process so you should not get
 too concerned about things at this point in time. In regards to
 asymmetry, it really depends on your specific situation. You had some slight asymmetry before, and there will 
be some afterwards as well. This is perfectly normal. Augmented breasts are simply your breasts 
but larger, they can be made to be closer overall but will never be 
identical. You could have placed different sized implants to decrease the difference, but since you used the same a similar amount of asymmetry will persist. However, its still way too early to make any 
assessment, they will also heal and descend at their own individual paces. They wont
 assume their final look until 3-6 months and sometimes some subltle 
changes after that, mostly a softening in appearance. Hope that helps.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You had some degree of asymmetry prior to surgery.  I would expect that after the initial healing period your breasts will be more even but you will not achieve absolute symmetry.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unless there is severe asymmetry, pain, significant bruising, then it is most likely just swelling. But yes, it is a good idea to see your surgeon.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

I know the hardest thing to do is wait, but honestly, don't expect your breasts to be where they are going to be for at least 3 months. They will continue to change for at least that long.  It is difficult to perceive an appreciable difference between your breasts in these pictures, but they are only one view.  If you think there is more than a half cup difference then I would recommend you see your doctor or her nurse.  The differences I see are easily explained by post op swelling differences.

Lisa M. DiFrancesco, MD · Answer

You were asymmetric before surgery and you put the same size implants in so the asymmetry will persist postop. If there are minor differences in size it could be due to normal post op swelling. Time will allow the swelling to resolve and your breats should be less painful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You were asymmetric in your befores so using the same size was an error. Best you see your chosen surgeon...

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The pictures show some size difference before surgery and the breasts look fairly similar after surgery. Some minor size differences may be due to normal swelling. If you are concerned, ask your plastic surgeon about this.

6 days post op, one breast much larger than the other. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (10)

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