Swelling in Armpit Area After Breast Implants

Question

I had seline implants behind muscle done 2 weeks ago. Yes,there is a normal swelling that goes with the surgery,however my concern is about the swelling on 1 side. The swelling starts from higher, actually is starts from the armpit area. I went back to the doctor and he said that I should wait 4 weeks to see if the swelling goes down. Then, wait 4 more months to see if it will even out. Of course if it does not, he will have to open it and do something. Is this normal or should I be worried?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Swelling is not always equal on both sides of the body. You had an incision and an implant inserted into it. It takes a few months for swelling to go down and to see your final results. Sounds like your surgeon is sympathetic to your situation and willing to correct any issues you may possibly have in the future. You really shouldn't worry at all at this point.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

At this point, omly being two weeks after the surgery, I would not worry about it. Be patient and give it time - it can take 2-3 months for all the swelling to go down, the muscles torelax, and the implants to fully settle into position. If at that time they have not, then you may need some sort of revision. I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You forgot to mention which approach was used for your augmentation?  If it was transaxillary, then you should expect more swelling in the armpits. But follow closely with your doctor.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD · Answer

Some swelling is still normally present 2 weeks after breast augmentation, and usually resolves over the following few weeks. If the surgery was performed via a transaxillary approach, there may be additional swelling up towards the armpit. Revision may be deferred for several months after the initial operation to allow for complete healing to occur.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding: "Swelling in armpit area after breast implants  I had seline implants behind muscle done 2 weeks ago. Yes,there is a normal swelling that goes with the surgery,however my concern is about the swelling on 1 side. The swelling starts from higher, actually is starts from the armpit area. I went back to the doctor and he said that I should wait 4 weeks to see if the swelling goes down. Then, wait 4 more months to see if it will even out. Of course if it does not, he will have to open it and do something. Is this normal or should I be worried?
	"

	Unless you had your implants placed through an armpit (Trans-axillary) incision there should not be significant swelling in that area. Your surgeon is the only one who knows what he did and what to expect and I would trust him. If things have not resolved by 3-4 weeks after the surgery you should ask for an explanation or seek a second opinion.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

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

Swelling in Armpit Area After Breast Implants

Answers (6)

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