How long does soreness and tightness last after BA? I'm 4 days post op.

Question

I'm only 4 days post op so I know it's too soon to tell how my new breasts will look once they dropped and fluffed but I am concerned with the tightness I feel. I go back to work next week and I'm scared that the tightness will prevent me from doing my job. I'm a waitress at a very busy restaurant and the muscle soreness makes it difficult to lift my arms and even get out of bed. How long does this period usually last and is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question and congratulations on your recent breast
augmentation procedure. At four days post-op, you are still in the very early
stages of recovery. It is not uncommon for breasts to be sore and feel tight
for up to two weeks following the BA procedure, depending on the individual
patient and the technique performed. Additionally, residual swelling in your
chest can be seen for up to six months. As a waitress, you may need to take
more time off from work, depending on how quickly the tenderness resolves. If
you have any further questions, I recommend bringing your concerns up with your operating
surgeon. He/she can also provide their suggestions for when you should return
to your waitressing job.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. At 4 days post op, soreness and swelling are certainly expected. My patients find that the majority of swelling and discomfort is resolved by two weeks post op. Most patients can return to light work such as an office/desk job 5-7 days post op, however when my patients use their arms extensively for work, I typically recommend an extra week or modified work which allows you to relax the arms more. While you are at home recovering, I recommend that you relax the arms and chest muscles as much as possible. Talk to your Plastic Surgeon about your concerns as they know your situation the best and can advise you about next steps.Take care

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

The tightness you feel is normal. You should review the do's and don'ts as well as things to speed the healing process after surgery with your surgeon. We all have different preferences in terms of progressing the patient to full activity.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is normal to have tightness after breast augmentation. This can last for as little as one or two days to as much as one or two weeks. A small degree of inconsequential tightness can last for up to a month. What you're describing sounds completely normal. I recommend you discuss the matter with your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At four days post op, it is normal to still have discomfort. Pain is different for each person. You may improve significantly over the next week. Or you may have soreness for several weeks. However, due to your profession, you will need to avoid heavy lifting and excessive use of your arms. Follow the guidelines provided to you by your surgeon to avoid any complications.
My advice would be to let your job know that you may need a little extra time away. Request a doctor's note from your plastic surgeon.
Always communicate your concerns to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who is the most familiar with your case.
Good luck!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, the tightness is usually much better within about a week after surgery, although of course there is a range of healing.  I usually recommend my patients avoid heavy lifting for about 6 weeks postop.  Your surgeon can clarify your specific restrictions.

Graeme J. Southwick, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

What you are experiencing is normal, as there is still quite a bit of swelling this soon after surgery. As the swelling subsides over the next few days, the pain and soreness should as well – until it does, keep moving your arms and stretching gently, and take anti-inflammatory medication as well. If you are a waitress (for example) and lift heavy trays, you may want to double check with your surgeon before going back to work, as we don’t recommend any heavy lifting for at least four weeks after surgery.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out! Definitely keep in close contact with our surgeon, tightness and soreness is completely normal, and only time will help the healing process. But the pain and tightness will subside, check with your surgeon before you return to work. Best of luck! Dr. Kachenmeister

Rafael Gottenger, MD · Answer

Good morning and thank you for your question, what you are describing sounds normal, soreness and tightness are expected after surgery, acute pain typically subsides after one to five days, but you may experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks, consider that it is possible to bleed into the pockets around the breast implants for the first several days, take it easy until you have permission from your board certified plastic surgeon to increase your activity level.

Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Initial tightness after breast augmentation can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks. Of course, everyone heals differently. Resolution of all swelling can sometimes take up to three months. I usually let my patients move their arms and wash their hair. I recommend no heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. It is best to contact your plastic surgeon to get further guidelines over the next couple days before you go back to work. Best wishes in your recovery.

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