Is It Normal for One Breast to Be Bigger Than the Other After Breast Augmentation?

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos. During the post-operative period the breast are swollen, and the breast implants appear in a much higher position. Over time they descend and fills out the lower half of the breast. In addition, it is not uncommon for one breast to be more swollen than the other and may even out with time (unless they were asymmetric in size to begin with). It may take several months for this to happen and can be encouraged with breast massage and compression. It may appear that the breast enlarges as the lower aspect of the breast fills out (at the expense of the upper portion of the breast).

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Thank
you for your question. I have included some typical expectations of breast
surgery recovery and signs to watch for following breast augmentation:
Stiffness, swelling
and bruising in the chest region: These are normal experiences as the skin,
muscles and tissue heal. Pain medication and muscle relaxants will help you
cope with any discomfort. Consistent sharp pain should be reported to your
board-certified surgeon.Hypersensitivity of
nipples or lack of sensitivity: This is normal and will gradually resolve over
time.A mild to severe itchy
feeling of the breasts is possible as healing progresses. An antihistamine like
Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. If the skin becomes
red and hot to the touch, contact your board-certified surgeon
immediately.Asymmetry, the breasts
look different, or heal differently: Breasts may look or feel quite different
from one another in the days following surgery. This is normal. No two breasts
in nature or following surgery are perfectly symmetrical.Discuss returning to
work with your board-certified surgeon, in our office it is typically 3-5
days post-surgery but you may not overexert yourself or do any heavy lifting.You may resume
exercise and your normal routine at six weeks unless your surgeon advises
otherwise.Every patient recovers differently and each breast heals at its own rate. Please follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon if you have any concerns regarding recovery. Best of luck to you.

Without an exam it is difficult to say what is going on.  Pain and increased swelling could be infection, hematoma, or just differential swelling to name a few. An exam in person is key.  Go see your surgeon.

Thank you for the question.

As you can imagine, without direct examination or viewing pictures it is not possible to give you precise advice. Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to rule out complications and to advise you.

Having said that, breast asymmetry 8  days after breast augmentation is very common.  It may take several months for the symmetry to improve and for you to see the final results of surgery.

Best wishes.

It is almost always the norm to have one breast swell more then the other and have those asymmetries after the surgery.At about 6 weeks you will have a better idea on how they are going to look and it takes up to 6 months to year for final appearance baring a formation of a capsule.

Unless this swelling is sudden severe and painful a sign of a hematoma (bleeding) you should try and not worry to much.

 

Discuss it with your surgeon as well.

 

Good luck on your wedding and congratulations.

Hi Vicky,  Thanks for taking the time to write your question.  After any operation it is not uncommon to have some swelling.  Breast augmentation surgery is no different.  Occassionally on breast may be more swollen than the other and this usually settles quickly.  It is a less common to get new, significant swelling 6 days after the surgery.  "Significant swelling" would be a really notable difference between the two breasts when they are compared to each other in or out of your post op surgical support bra.  If normal swelling, cold compresses and anti-inflammatories (if allowed by your surgeon) will often settle it quickly.  If the larger breast has a "burning sensation" it can be from the stretching of the nerves that can occur at the time of the surgery - that is common and will settle soon.  If the swelling is recent in onset and associated with a fever and pain (especially with movement of the implant) it may be due to an early infection.  This is extremely rare complication.  If the swelling is recent and the breast looks a little more bruised, it may be related to a small collection of blood around the implant (a hematoma).  Again this is extremely rare.  I would suggest that you see your plastic surgeon for a quick assessment to be reassured.  I hope this information is helpful.  Im sure everything will work out.  Bets wishes on your upcoming wedding.  Dont forget to resize your dress.  Dr. Scott Barr