Can one breast be more sore and swollen than the other 8 days post op after BA?

Question

5 days post op I felt pain on left breast and armpit/arm area (pain started within 15 min of taking a shower, no compression bra on during that time as awaiting bra to dry and tried to put on bandeau bra over head to help discomfort, maybe lifting arm up too high?). Week f/u yesterday, didn't bring it up because it felt better; however since doing breast massage last night, its more tender to touch and swollen than right breast. Could I have done something to cause this? Is this normal?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

All breasts are different right to left before and after any surgery. They also heal and feel differently over weeks to months.Keep close follow up with your plastic surgeon during this time for instructions.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Most likely everything is fine, but you should reach out to your surgeon with your concerns. Best wishes!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to more pain/swelling to one breast vs the other at this point.  If pain continues or does not improve, please follow up with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.  Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The breasts early after breast augmentation can feel and look different due to differences in muscle spasm, size of breast implants, differences in width of chest wall, etc.  In the absence of hematoma, seroma, etc.  this can be normal.Follow up with your PS if pain continues.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

One side always hurts more than the other so I wouldn’t worry too much about that however if you think you did something wrong and may have injured yourself then I’d suggest booking an appointment with your surgeon to be examined.

Paul Banwell, BSc, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

In view of the fact you were reviewed at 1 week with no obvious concerns, it would be very unlucky to then have a problem subsequent to this. However, I am sure there is 24 hour cover at the hospital so it might be wise just to pop along for your reassurance and check all is OKGood luck!

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. If one breast is significantly more swollen than the other, there is some concern for hematoma. I would recommend that you see your surgeon for an evaluation. Best,

Elena Martin, MD, FEBOPRAS - Account Suspended · Answer

It’s normal to have swollen and tense breast 5 days after the surgery but agressive pain and a quickly increased volume of one breast it me be a Hematoma. Use the compression and apply cold packs and call you plastic surgeon for proper assessment

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for this important question.  You may have heard the saying the "breasts are sisters not twins".  This refers to the very normal situation where one may heal faster and in a different way than the other.  The soreness you describe sounds very normal for where you are in the recovery process and for the activities performed.  Continue to closely follow your surgeon's post op instructions and discuss any concerns.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes...it is possible and common to have different feelings/sensations in one breast compared to another after breast augmentation.  You should not keep the information from your surgeon and continue to work with him/her to give you the best opportunity for an excellent outcome.  Best wishes.Wirth Plastic Surgery

Can one breast be more sore and swollen than the other 8 days post op after BA?

Answers (13)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Collagen after breast augmentation, increase in scar tissue?

Is it okay to wear a posture band after breast augmentation? (photo)

Will the gap between my breast get smaller overtime? (photo)

3 weeks post op breast augmentation, experience popping? Is this normal?

6 weeks post-op my right implant still hasn't dropped. Do I need a revision surgery? (photo)

3 days post op I have pain and redness on the left incision. Is this normal? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS