Tenting or swelling? I am 8 weeks and 5 days post op BA and the swelling on my sternum has not gone away. (Photos)

Hi Chinita23,

I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 9 weeks post op.

You will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.

At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.

Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position. Also, your breasts can drop at different rates.

But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery.

Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Based on the photos, I do believe there is an element of skin tenting causing fullness in your sternum, due to the stretch placed on the skin from your implants.  To be sure however, I would need to be able to feel the area for swelling,  Hope this helps!

First of all, your results look great for 2 months out. Your implants seem slightly high, but they will continue to drop slowly over the next 3-4 months. I think your area of concern is tenting of the skin. This tenting will likely relax over the next few months as the implants drop and tissue relaxes. You're on your way to an excellent result.