What is the slight crunchy feeling in left implant? Do implants recover/change at different rates?

Question

I am 15 days out from my BA surgery and have started my massages as advised by my surgeon. From day 1 of surgery I noticed a slight crunchy feeling in my left breast when moving my arms. Now I only notice it when performing my implant massages. My surgeon reassured me that it was normal - but just wanted some clarification on what this is to ease my thoughts. Thank you so much.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are still early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

It all sounds pretty normal. When my patients have what you described, it is the result of the air and antibiotic wash that is around the implant. I advise them that it takes a couple of weeks for the body to absorb this fluid and air. And, yes, there is always slightly different healing that occurs from one breast to the other. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths." Good luck.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Great question! :)  Although initially this feeling might be a little bit alarming, rest assured that your surgeon is correct in that it is quite normal. This feeling of "rice crispies" under your skin is the result of tiny air bubbles around your implant and will go away naturally with time. Just keep performing your massages.  That sensation can occur with other surgery as well actually!  And yes, implants heal, swelling resolves, and implants DEFINITELY settle at different rates. I tell my patients that they are "sisters, not twins" meaning they are 2 distinctly separate, albeit similar, organs so they will react and heal differently after surgery.  Often times one implant lags behind the other (in my experience, it tends to be the left side) on settling in particular. The implants always start a little high and then relax and drop into place as the swelling goes down and muscles/tissue relaxes.  Best of luck with your healing!

What is the slight crunchy feeling in left implant? Do implants recover/change at different rates?

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What is the slight crunchy feeling in left implant? Do implants recover/change at different rates?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.