Is It Normal for 1 Breast to Be More Swollen & Painful Than the Other 1 Week Post-Op?

Question

I had breast augmentation done this past Monday, so im 6 days post-op, my right seems like its almost healed and not much pain at all but my left breast is still very painful!! I have shooting & burning pains & it is also a little more swollen than the right? It even makes my left arm feel numb all the way to my fingertips at times!!

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Differences in breast pain at 1 week post op is not uncommon.  Breasts do heal at different rates.  if your concern does not get better within the next few weeks, best to contact your board-certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck, Dr. Michael Omidi.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

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. The shooting, burning pain you described could be nerve regeneration. It is imperative to follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding your pain and throughout your recovery.

Matthew Concannon, MD · Answer

Swelling on one side after breast augmentation is not uncommon; if you have marked swelling (usually with bruising) it may be a sign of a hematoma (blood colleciton) which your surgeon may need to address. It is always best to let your surgeon take a look and make sure.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Pain and differential swelling of the breasts is very common at one week after breast augmentation.  Marked swelling on one side with significant pain can indicate a hematoma or bleeding.  This should be evaluated by you board certified plastic surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

It can be normal for one breast to be slightly more swollen or tender than the other, however swelling and pain on one side can also indicate a complication such as bleeding or hematoma. Have your surgeon take a look to be sure.

Is It Normal for 1 Breast to Be More Swollen & Painful Than the Other 1 Week Post-Op?

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Answer: Pain and swelling post augmentation

Answer: Pain and swelling post augmentation

Answer: One week after implants one breast swollen and tender

Answer: One week after implants one breast swollen and tender

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is It Normal for 1 Breast to Be More Swollen & Painful Than the Other 1 Week Post-Op?

Answers (6)

Answer: Pain and swelling post augmentation

Answer: Pain and swelling post augmentation

Answer: One week after implants one breast swollen and tender

Answer: One week after implants one breast swollen and tender

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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.