How Long After Getting Breast Implants Will Tightness Go Away?

Question

I had my breast augmentation on March 23rd, 2012 and its been 5 days Post-op today and I was wondering how long it takes the tightness on my chest to go away?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I always tell my patients at the time of their consultation appointment that initially their implants will look 'high, hard and ugly.'  Furthermore, I tell all of my patients pre-operatively that tightness of the chest is normal following a breast augmentation because your skin, muscle, and tissues must all stretch to accommodate the implant and additional volume.  Seeing as how you are only several days out from your procedure, this tightness is to be expected.  Over the course of the next 4-12 weeks this tightness will resolve as your tissues become less swollen and your implants have settled.  I would recommend following up with your operating Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your discomfort and see whether or not he/she recommends the use of a compression bra or the implementation of breast massages as this may help.  I hope you find this helpful and best of luck on your recovery!

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implant tightness depends on a lot of things such as the implant used, the elasticity of the skin, and if the implants have been placed above or below the muscle. For this reason, tightness might take as little as a few days to a few months to resolve.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...That varies patient to patient. Usually by 6 weeks patients should notice a difference in tightness. It can take up to 3 months for implants to fully settle. Please speak to your PS if you are still concerned.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, however, it is a difficult one to answer. Softening, settling of the implants, etc are all the same issue that are influenced by the size of the implant and the quality of your skin. Patients that have had children (experienced breast engorgment), larger breasts to start with, some breast droop, or choose small implants will have relaxation of the tissue much quicker than others. On average, I think patients are happy with their result at one month and thrilled with the result at 3 months. Hope that helps!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Congrats on the surgery.  It may take months for the breasts to soften, and they may never soften to the pre-surgical state.  In addition, the greater the implant to breast tissue ratio, the more the implant will affect the longterm firmness (or softness) of the breast.  I would exercise patience and see how things change with every few weeks that pass by.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to complain of tightness of
the chest following breast augmentation surgery. This tightness is related to spasm of the
chest wall muscles and swelling of the adjacent soft tissue.It’s more common when implants are placed beneath
the muscles but can occur with subglandular placement as well. In an
effort to minimize these symptoms, a variety of strategies have been
utilized.Swelling is managed with
compression and support bras.Although
swelling can be significant in the early post-operative period, it tends to
resolve rapidly. Chest
wall tightness can also result from spasm of the chest wall muscles.When this occurs, muscle relaxants and
massage are helpful.Massage of the back
helps relax the anterior chest wall muscles.These muscles are connected by layers of fibrous tissue, and for this
reason, massage of the back can help alleviate spasms in the frontal muscles
which cover the breast implants.With
time, these symptoms improve and patients are ultimately happy.If you have tightness following breast
augmentation, make sure you discuss the issue with your plastic surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Tightness is common after breast augmentation. It will take about three to four months for your body to adjust to the implants, and natural tissue expansion will gradually occur so that your breasts settle into a more natural contour.

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking patients experience tightness after a breast augmentation until the chest wall muscles have had time to lengthen. This period of time is approximately 2 months. Patient perception of tightness however is variable and really depends on the position and size of the implants. You should discuss this with your surgeon.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for the question.  You are still early in
the post operation recovery stage.  It is
not uncommon to feel pain, itchiness, tightness, and swelling during this
period.  It usually takes about 8-12
weeks for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for the implants to fully
settle.  It would be best to visit your
board-certified plastic surgeon and get a full assessment for your concerns.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for your question. I have included some typical expectations of breast
surgery recovery and signs to watch for following breast augmentation:
Stiffness, tightness, swelling
and bruising in the chest region: These are normal experiences as the skin,
muscles and tissue heal. Pain medication and muscle relaxants will help you
cope with any discomfort. Consistent sharp pain should be reported to your
board-certified surgeon.Hypersensitivity of
nipples or lack of sensitivity: This is normal and will gradually resolve over
time.A mild to severe itchy
feeling of the breasts is possible as healing progresses. An antihistamine like
Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. If the skin becomes
red and hot to the touch, contact your board-certified surgeon
immediately.Asymmetry, the breasts
look different, or heal differently: Breasts may look or feel quite different
from one another in the days following surgery. This is normal. No two breasts
in nature or following surgery are perfectly symmetrical.Discuss returning to
work with your board-certified surgeon, in our office it is typically 3-5
days post-surgery but you may not overexert yourself or do any heavy lifting.You may resume
exercise and your normal routine at six weeks unless your surgeon advises
otherwise.If you have any concerns regarding your recovery, please follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

How Long After Getting Breast Implants Will Tightness Go Away?

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