5 days post op, my breast tighten up after augmentation. Is this normal?

Question

I'm 5 days post op (augmentation 425cc unders) and my breast tighten up really hard sometimes. It feels like milk letting down when breast feeding. Is this normal? And why did it happen?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

At 5 days postop you are very early in the healing process and are likely experiencing maximum swelling at this time. With time your swelling will continue to subside and the implants will continue to settle and get softer. Please ensure you follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss any concerns you have.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

This is very typical and sounds like spasms. Check with your BCPS. You may likely find that muscle relaxants (such as flexiril) provide needed relief.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

This could be due to the muscle the implant was places under. You did have a larger size and often because the breast has been enlarged to a significant degree, it feels like it is engorged, similar to what happens during breast feeding.  Rarely, the placement of implants can cause lactation (breast milk production).

Ioannis Michael Ch. Salivaras, MD · Answer

5 days post op all the tissues get swollen enough to cause you this kind of discomfort. Have patience (a soft massage at your breasts and axilla along might help) and in a couple of weeks everything will be normal.

Juan A. Brou, MD · Answer

Dear tigerlily425, it is expected for you to feel tight in your chest 5 days after a breast augmentation surgery. The reason it tightens up hard is because your muscles haven't quite stretched enough to accept your implants, which are rather generous in size, and they resist it by contracting.  This will get better soon.  The feeling of milk letting down is very common after augmentation surgery and a lot of my patients report that feeling. This will also get better with time and there's nothing to worry about.  Give yourself plenty of time to recover from this surgery so you will heal well and pretty, most people don't give themselves enough time to heal properly and try to go back to work too soon only to make their pain worse and healing difficult.  A hot tub bath can help relax your muscles and a back rub can work wonders for your tense shoulders which you probably keep pretty stiff trying to protect your breasts, right?

Zach Barnes, MD · Answer

This can be a very normal part of the recovery process and is usually your pectoral muscles getting tired toward the end of the day or when you do activities and tightening up. This will improve over time slowly.

5 days post op, my breast tighten up after augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

What does blood work test for Breast Augmentation with general anesthesia?

6 weeks post op, why are my nipples still puffy? (photos)

Is Loss of Nipple sensitivity in fat grafting possible?

I'm 19 and my breasts look like they belong on a grandma. What are my options for rounder, perkier breasts ? (photos)

11 years post o Breast Augmentation, Can I have Capsule pain / contracture?

I'm 5 weeks post op under the muscle Breast Augmentation, there is a pain on my right breast. Is this normal?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS