Tightness in Chest After Breast Augmentation

Question

I am 5 day BA PO and experiencing tightness in my chest. Everytime I breath I feel like my breasts are going to pop out. Also I seem to slouch everytime I walk. I got saline under the muscle. I am just wondering if this is normal if not please advise on what I should do? Thank You.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Tightness is common after breast augmentation. It will take about three to four months for your body to adjust to the implants, and natural tissue expansion will gradually occur so that your breasts settle into a more natural contour. I suggest you ask your surgeon, just in case, though.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is easy to say this is normal bu t I am uncomfortable doing this online and would strongly recommend that you discuss this with your surgeon and/or his/her staff.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are concerned at all, you should call your surgeon's office and possibly see the surgeon for evaluation. However, most likely you are just experiencing post operative tightness which is due to the surgery and having implants placed, which will get better day by day. Good luck.

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.It is very important to follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have tightness in your chest when you breathe, you need to contact your doctor ASAP to make sure you do not have problem like pneumonia, or even a pulmonary embolism. If it is tightness of the implants then that should get better with time.

Tightness in Chest After Breast Augmentation

Answers (5)