Redness on breasts after breast augmentation that my doctor says is stretched skin. Can you provide a second opinion? (photo)

Thanks for your inquiry, your plastic surgeon is examining you in person and that is the most important evaluation.  If this is due to stretching everything else needs to be ruled out first including infection, inflammation, etc.

Hi, thank you for your inquiry and for sharing your photo. When skin is stretched out you may have redness. This is true, yet your plastic surgeon that operated on you who is examining you is the most important evaluation.  

If this is occurring in one breast, I would have your physician evaluate you very carefully. I have personally not seen excessive breast skin stretching associated with redness after augmentation.

Dear somerset123,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Just based on your one photo, your redness is probably from stretching your breasts and may the beginning of stretch marks. I would suggest using something like Mederma on the skin the minimize the risk. I have on rare occasions seen this in younger ladies after an augmentation.

When I have seen this in the past, it is due to skin stretching, and the first sign of forming stretch marks, but time will tell. Nothing to do at this point. Doubt it is infection or any problem that requires treatment.Good luck

Great question. It does appear to be redness caused from increased vascularity (blood flow) from the skin being stretched over the implant.  Since you are not experiencing any other signs of infection such as fever, chills, drainage or incision opening, I would agree with you physician.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind