is extreme swelling on one side 5 days after breast augmentation safe/normal? (Photo)

Question

yesterday post op day 4 and finally was able to get out of bed and do stuff.shower, went and got my hair done, a friend took me to dinner. today day 5 I woke up and I felt like I was having spasms on the upper part of my breasts near my armpit-pec area and it was unbearably tight. then I noticed my breasts are extremely swollen in the upper pole especially the right which has been more painful and swollen since day 1. called PS and nurse said stay elevated and its normal but I'm scared.

Jason E. Leedy, MD · Answer

One side should not be extremely more swollen than the other side after a breast augmentation.  This could represent a hematoma which needs to be treated.  You need to be seen by your plastic surgeon.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

I give all of my patients my cell phone number. This would be one of those times that I would hope they'd use it. There is NO way to determine what is normal without a physical examination by the operating surgeon or experienced RN. Please see your plastic surgeon. There is some swelling and asymmetry immediately following breast augmentation, but sudden, painful swelling could be indicative of bleeding within the pocket that could require surgery.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is hard to settle someone who is worried over the internet, you really should go and see your surgeon to make sure nothing is going on

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Swelling after breast augmentation is normal. So is muscle spasm and pain. What is not normal is "EXTREME" swelling, to use your words. It is very likely that your swelling is not a concern, especially because it is the same on both sides, however, if any of my patients claimed to have "extreme" swelling, I would want them to be seen immediately - no matter what time or day.  I am sure that your surgeon (and everyone else on this site) would feel the same way. It is best that you are seen if you are concerned so that your surgeon can make sure that you do not have a hematoma or bleeding.

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

If your implants are under the muscle it is not uncommon to have some muscle spasms which can be quite uncomfortable.  Extreme swelling  needs to be evaluated by your surgeon to make sure there  has not been blood or fluid accumulating around your implant(s).  If the swelling and tightness is about the same on both sides then bleeding is less likely to be the cause.  I would certainly limit the use of your arms until otherwise instructed by your surgeon. Hopefully things will improve in the next few days but keep in close contact with your surgeon if you have concerns.

Alfonso Gonzalez Cepeda, MD · Answer

It´s normal to have a certain amount of swelling and discomfort after breast augmentation but if you feel like it´s more than it should be, then I recommend going to see your plastic surgeon.  Most likely you should be fine but it´s always better to be safe than sorry.  Best regards, Dr. Alfonso Gonzalez MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal after a breast augmentation, but "extreme" swelling and a lot of pain should at least be investigated and seen by your surgeon. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Normal or not you need to be examined IN PERSON by your surgeon! Demand to be seen even if it is for your peace of mind...

David Mathes, MD · Answer

Pain after augmentation can occur and is often related to the implant
stretching the muscle. Usually the worst pain occurs after you have spent a few
days not moving much and then you feel better and so you return to a more
normal state of living that leads to use of the muscles. The pain related to
the muscle stretching will improve over time. Swelling is normal after
placement of implants. However, if you feel that the swelling came on suddenly
or is making the skin very tight this should be evaluated by your surgeon.

is extreme swelling on one side 5 days after breast augmentation safe/normal? (Photo)

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