Left breast seems higher, tighter, and sorer than the right. What should I do?

Question

I am post op day 4, and my left breast just seems so much tighter, sorer, and higher than the right. Is this normal? I’m concern about everything I’ve been reading about capsular contracture, that I’m starting to become paranoid. After surgery my PS didn’t put me in a surgical bra, no idea why, but should I get one anyway? My first post op app is in a couple days and I was going to ask about one. Is it a necessity?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question.You are still early in your recovery. Be patient and let things heal. It can take 3 to 6 months for the implants to drop and settle. Continue to follow your surgeons instructions  and contact him/her with any concerns. Best wishes!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent operation! You are still very early in the
healing phase and it is not unusual to feel soreness and tightness in one or both breasts at this point. The rate of healing can differ with each breast as well, so I would not be concerned. Every surgeon's office has different follow-up care instructions. Be sure to follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post-operative protocol. 
All the best.

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions, and congratulations on your operation! You are still in the very early post operative timeframe. It can take up to 6 months for breast tissue and implants to fully settle after augmentation mammoplasty; often times this process will differ for each breast. That being said, I recommend that you meet with your plastic surgeon for a formal physical examination and to discuss your concerns; breast fullness, tightness and pain 4 days post-operatively could be indicative of bleeding (hematoma). In regards to a bra, all plastic surgeons have their own post-operative regimens. I generally suggest that my patients wear a surgical bra for 2 weeks, then transition to a supportive compressive sports bra without an underwire for another 4 weeks. Recommendations will vary widely from provider to provider. Again, best to discuss your concerns with you surgeon. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast asymmetry four days after breast implants is common; they should even out with time. Every PS has his or her follow up care and advice on bras and garments, I recommend you go with your surgeon's protocol on this.  My patients wear sports bras for the first 6 weeks or so.  I do not recommend underwire bras. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Graceful2659,
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 4 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

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

You are still very early into the recovery phase. Your breast will heal differently and at their own pace. It is normal to be sore and tender at 4 days post op. Post-operative massage will help your implants settle into place and will also help with soreness. Bands and bras can be utilized as well, but aren't always necessary. To give you a timeline, it usually takes 6 weeks to feel completely healed. Stay positive and follow your surgeons post-op directions.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have two different breasts, and they may not feel or heal the same way initially. Please follow your surgeon's post operative instructions about wearing bras and massage. Every surgeon has his/her preference of post operative care based upon his/her experience and type of implant used.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
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

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Congratulations on your recent surgery. The process of breast healing after augmentation involvesremodeling of the soft tissues as the "drop and fluff" phenomenonoccurs over a period of 3 months or so. One breast may fall into positionfaster than the other. At day 4, you are experiencing significantswelling which may be the cause of early asymmetry. 60-80% will resolve atthe 6th week with the remainder slowly abating over 6-12 months. Every plastic surgeon has their own unique protocol based upon a lifetime of experience of what has worked best. Some surgeons recommend sports bras, some use surgical bras, some use cupped bras. I would avoid underwires.Capsular contracture will not occur for months-years after surgery. Speak with your surgeon regarding breast massage as a preventative measure.It is still far too early to assess the operative result.I recommend that you continue followup with your surgeon.Bestwishes...

Left breast seems higher, tighter, and sorer than the right. What should I do?

Answers (9)

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