Why is my Areola Swollen & Puffy 20 Post Op After Breast Lift & Implant? Could It Be Fluid? (photo)

Thank you for your photograph.  You have a very nice post operative result and the swelling you are seeing is quite common.  One breast can swell more than the other and the same goes with the areolas.  The skin is so thin that a little swelling can look like a lot. If you have significant concern, you need to have your surgeon evaluate your breasts.  

Puffy nipples after breast surgeryIf you had puffy nipples or tuberous breast before then they will swell more after surgery but generally settle with time.

Things look great. I think the ducts of the nipple get clogged with the weight of the implant and everything gets backed up I would wait a few weeks things shouyld open up 

I think this is a typical result at 3 weeks after a breast lift and augmentation and I think you are on the path to a good result.  Scar massaging around the areola at 3 weeks is something I recommend in my patients and can help the swelling resolve and scar settle down.  I recommend silicone scar gel.

  This is not unusual at this stage of healing, and, without any signs of infection, this should resolve in the next few weeks.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Posted photo shows normal slow healing of the nipple areolar areas. Allow at least 3 months of healing. 

Thank you for the question and picture. Based on the limited view photograph, it seems like your plastic surgeon has done a nice job for you. I do not see much to be concerned about in your photograph.

 Of course, only your plastic surgeon, after direct physical examination, will be able to advise you precisely.

 Best wishes.

The swelling of the areola is expected and normal after breast augmentation and lift and could be more in one side. This swelling will gradually resolve over several months. But what is of concern is that you still have 9/10 pain  20 days after surgery. At that stage the pain should be nonexistent . You need to contact your surgeon for the pain

Without an exam it is difficult to say. Having some differential swelling can occur. If the pain is significant, you might want to see your surgeon.

Thank you for the question and your picture. Although you are this far out from surgery, it is still early on in your healing. Initially after surgery there is usually a significant amount of swelling and scarring that occurs. This will slowly resolve over the next 3 to 6 months, but in the interim will be fairly noticeable in the areola as it is not as thick as the other skin of the breast. Since there are no accompanying signs of infection this should continue to improve with time.

I hope this helps. Best wishes.