Swelling 4 Weeks After Breast Augmentation Normal?

Question

After having silicone breast implants (280cc on right side, 350 on left) approximately 4 weeks ago, I'm still sore; is this normal? Thank you for your help.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Pain after breast augmentation can vary from one individual to another. We generally are more concerned with pain associated with swelling, redness, warmth, or other inflammatory processes.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
In order to know whether the soreness you are still having 4 weeks after  your breast augmentation is within the limits of a normal recovery or something you should be concerned about, some important details need to be understood. These details, such as whether your implants are under or over your chest muscles, the surgical technique, your recovery so far, what your exam has been like so far in your recovery, your activity level so far, and particularly recently, are best understood by the surgeon who performed your procedure.
Your best bet is to contact his/her office and discuss this with them, and possibly pay a visit to the office for an exam.

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.If you have questions regarding your recovery, please follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Linny,
Thank you for your post.  It is very common to be about a size bigger right after surgery than what your final result will be.  Swelling starts to occur right after surgery and tends to peak in the first week.  After about a month you will have lost most of the swelling, but still not completely at baseline.  After about another 3 months or so, you will have lost 99% of your swelling, but still you have a pretty good idea at 1 month.  I wouldn't spend a lot of money on bras until 3 months as they might not fit perfectly after all the swelling goes away.  Also, the more activity you have, the longer the swelling stays, the more that needs to be done as far as lift etc. with surgery, the longer your swelling stays.  Breast tenderness and hardness can also remain due to the swelling.  the breasts should become much softer once the swelling is mostly gone.
Best Wishes!
Pablo Prichard, MD

Nirav Savalia, MD · Answer

HI,
I'm sure this is a normal part of your recovery. It is not unusual at all to have soreness even 4 weeks after surgery, especially if the implants were placed underneath the pectoral muscle. Massaging helps and so does not over-exerting yourself.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Recovery after breast implant surgery varies quite a bit. Soreness from side to side is frequently different. If you had previous breast surgery, it is very common for the previously operated breast to be more sore than the other one. Your surgeon should still be following you as this sorts itself out.

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