Is it common to have trouble breathing after breast augmentation?

Question

I'm almost 24 hours post opp and noticing it hurts to take deep breaths . They're extremely swollen and tight which I think is normal but wanted to be sure it isn't a problem! Thanks

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Tightness, pressure, and swelling is normal 24 hours post op. However, if you are short of breath, have difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms please speak with your surgeon or visit your local emerg as soon as possible.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

As the other physicians noted, this could be very normal after breast augmentation or it could signal a life-threatening complication such as a pulmonary embolism or a dropped lung.  Regardless, this is a question that you should be asking your Plastic Surgeon so that he/she can better guide you and so that they are aware of your concern.I would call your surgeon right away!Hope that helps and wish you the very best.-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The swelling and tightness is normal. Trouble breathing could also be a result to your breast implants, but you need to discuss this with your plastic surgeon now. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but if you've made it through the night, its most likely from the pressure and discomfort of your implants on your chest and this will get better.  In this scenario, you feel challenged to take a breath but you're not really short of breath.  In the other scenario, it involves your surgeon to have punctured your lung and this creates a pneumothorax and acute shortness of breath where you simply cannot breath... this is an emergency.

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

It is not common to have difficulty breathing after breast surgery. It is imperative to contact your board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients may feel tight, heavy, and uncomfortable when breathing after breast augmentation.  Although your symptoms may be normal, you have to rule out the possibility of potentially life threatening problem, such as pulmonary embolism.  Please contact your plastic surgeon to be evaluated ASAP.Best wishes.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's very difficult to know what is happening without photos or a physical examination. With that said difficulty breathing after any surgery could signify a serious condition called pulmonary embolism. Try taking some deep breasts. If this breathing discomfort continues I would recommend going to the ER ASAP.  The tight swollen breasts are completely normal after breast augmentation. Good luck. DrMaz

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

There are potentially very serious problems that may present as pain with breathing; best to let your plastic surgeon know of your situation and potentially undergo a workup to rule out complications such as pulmonary embolism or pneumonia. Best wishes.

Is it common to have trouble breathing after breast augmentation?

Answers (8)

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