Is discomfort on one side normal 1-week post-op? (Photo)

Question

So i am 1 week post op, and my left breast (which got a slightly bigger implant, 520 cc) seems way larger and heavier on my body than my left (480cc) It causes me some discomfort, like pulling. But i dont feel this in my other breast. Is this normal? Also in the picturen of my right breast, does it look like it will drop and look like a regular breast eventually? Because im concerned my left breast is dropping before my right

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

At only one week, slight asymmetries in pain, swelling, bruising, etc., are all within the normal range.At this stage, you are still early in the healing process.  The final result for a breast augmentation or Lift is never really judged until several months from the procedure.  Typically, I will wait 6 months before I assess the results.  Of course, it can be difficult to be patient while awaiting a result for such a long time, especially when you are excited.  But, keep in mind that living human tissues are different than sculpting with plastic or sewing with cloth.  Those substances are fixed and don't change much with time.  Human tissues, on the other hand, stretch, spread, settle, and change as they go through the different stages of healing.  This process takes time and as it proceeds, your result will change until the healing is complete.This is why plastic surgeons will always advise patience for the first few months after these procedures.  In the meantime, keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon and he/she can assure you that things are proceeding in the right direction.I hope this info helps!Best of Luck, Dr. SubbioPhiladelphia/Newtown SquareBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is quite common for patients to report one side being more swollen or painful than the other after a bilateral breast augmentation. If your surgeon used 2 different sized breast implants (presumably to correct an asymmetry) it would be expected that the side with the larger implant would be more uncomfortable. This will get better with time. As far as the implant positions, it is far too early to assess whether or not there is any lasting asymmetry between the two sides. My advice would be to rest and allow your body to recover, and remain in close follow-up with your operating plastic surgeon to make sure no new issues arise. All the best.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

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

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Yes, discomfort can persist for 3 weeks after breast augmentation and can be more common in the larger side implant.  It is also very common for one side to drop faster than the other.  It will take 8-12 weeks to see the final position of your implants which will continue to drop more than they are now.  Of course the best person to anterior question is your plastic surgeon..

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

To allay your concern, it is not uncommon for one implant to drop sooner than the other side.  The pulling sensation and discomfort, meanwhile, might be caused by a lot of things, including the normal "process" of recovery.

Should the implants settle at a different pace, breast massage and compression garments can be of great help.  Nonetheless, it remains prudent to ask your surgeon's specific instructions.

Take care and regards.

Is discomfort on one side normal 1-week post-op? (Photo)

Answers (5)