What can be used to help soothe swollen and bruised breasts after breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

When I was breastfeeding, I suffered engorgement and the midwife recommended green cabbage leaves chilled in the fridge and then placed on the breasts. That was a godsend! Could this work to aid with post surgery discomfort?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Precise surgical technique, delicate tissue handling, avoidance of rib injury, meticulous hemostasis (control of bleeding capillaries), and basically, careful surgery all contribute to the least post-op discomfort possible. And although individual patient pain thresholds cause fairly wide variations in perceived discomfort, sloppy surgery or blunt dissection will always yield more pain than the same patient's response to skilled surgery.Which is why choice of surgeon is MUCH more important than choosing "overnight recovery," "flash recovery," or "24 hour breast augmentation" marketers! But there are other things that can be done (including chilled cabbage leaves, but more about that later). These include pre-operative anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications (continued post-op, but better started pre-op), better anesthesia (TIVA instead of inhalation anesthesia, since the latter causes more nausea, vomiting, and resultant swelling, bruising, and pain), and intra-operative use of Exparel (3-day extended release local anesthetic), in addition to pain medications if needed. Narcotics can cause nausea and vomiting (see above comment re anesthesia), not to mention slowing the gut and causing constipation, straining, and higher risk of elevated blood pressure-induced bruising, bleeding, or even re-operation. So pain control reduces post-operative complications (like capsular contracture) as well!So how about chilled cabbage leaves?Sure, cold can reduce both swelling and discomfort, but ice bags (or blue ice freezer paks) CAN actually cause frostbite and blisters (I have had this happen to one of my patients whose well-meaning husband put frozen blue ice paks next to her breast skin--held by her elastic bandeau--overnight; took months to heal) so protect the skin with a dry cloth when using ice or freezer paks! Chilled cabbage leaves are organic, and should not touch any open incision, but otherwise are harmless (and I don't suppose the cool lasts very long). So if they seem helpful (and assuming your incisions are covered), go for it and feel better soon. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Many surgeons will allow cold compresses, though you will need to be sure your incisions are protected and clean. I recommend that you ask your Plastic Surgeon what to expect and what you can do for relief of swelling and pain post op.All the best

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI giddygilly,  I would recommend that you keep your arms elevated when you can, ice your breasts and wear a good supportive bra. The bra should not , however, be too tight or you could increase your swelling. Be sure not to engage in vigorous athletic activity and do not lift anything 15 lbs. or more for 5-6 weeks.Hopefully, this will help a bit.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. Cooling breasts after surgery can certainly help with the discomfort and also reduce too much swelling. However I would not suggest cabbage leaves, or any other foods, to be placed so close to the surgical scars. Cleanable/wipeable cooler packs would be better.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Though always best to ask your surgeon on their recommendations I would advocate for use of a comfortable, supportive bra, sleeping with your chest elevated, using arnica and bromelain supplementation, and cold compresses over your garment.  Because you will have fresh incisions after surgery I would not advocate for placement of cabbage leaves over them.  Hope this helps.

What can be used to help soothe swollen and bruised breasts after breast augmentation? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast cooling

Answer: Breast cooling

Answer: What can be used to help smooth swollen and bruised breasts after BA?

Answer: What can be used to help smooth swollen and bruised breasts after BA?

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What can be used to help soothe swollen and bruised breasts after breast augmentation? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast cooling

Answer: Breast cooling

Answer: What can be used to help smooth swollen and bruised breasts after BA?

Answer: What can be used to help smooth swollen and bruised breasts after BA?

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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.