When will the swelling in my left lymph node between breast and armpit go away?

Question

I thought it was the implant in my armpit but I can feel the edges of my implant when doing my displacement exercises. So I looked it up and it’s common for lymph nodes right there to swell. It’s only my left side as that’s the side I had the bigger implant “installed”. I guess I want to know when does a swollen lymph start to be worrisome if it doesn’t go down? No I don’t have any pain, redness or fever. Is it only if I get those symptoms that I would call the doctor?

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

A number of things can cause axillary lymph nodes to become enlarged, including surgery on the breast. You did not mention how far out you were from surgery , but most of the time these will resolve over time. Occasionally they persist , and if they are of concern, can be usually be easily evaluated with imaging, such as ultrasound. If there is still any questions, a biopsy can be performed. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your followup visit.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast massage and implant displacement technique remains an area of controversy. I always advocate following the post-operative protocols of the patient's plastic surgeon.  The breasts early after breast augmentation can feel and look different due to differences in muscle spasm, size of breast implants, size of pocket, etc. With the larger 500cc Mentor MemoryGel UHP, it would not be uncommon for you to be able to feel the edges of the implant.  As your body relaxes from the trauma, the sensation of the implants being close to your lymph nodes will subside. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.

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 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

When will the swelling in my left lymph node between breast and armpit go away?

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When will the swelling in my left lymph node between breast and armpit go away?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.