Uneven Swelling/dropping of Breasts 3 Weeks Post-op

Swelling following breast augmentation does not always subside evenly. More likely than not, the edema will continue to go down. However, if you noticed a significant size increase in your left breast immediately after being hit with a soccer ball, it is possible that you developed a hematoma on that side. You should ask your plastic surgeon, and consider obtaining a breast ultrasound if it persists.

Thank you for the photo. You are still very early in your post operative course. Sorry about the soccer ball.  That seems to happen not infrequently.  From the photo, it does not seem that you have a hematoma or seroma.  Breast implants tend to start dropping into place after 3 to 4 weeks. They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months. One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through changes. Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please also let them know about the soccer balll as well as your thoughts and concerns.

It
is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more,
one may feel more uncomfortable, or the shapes may differ initially. After
complete healing, they should look more similar and natural. Patience is
required, but if you are concerned, ask questions to your doctor or the nursing
staff.


#breastrevision
#breastimplants

When implants are first inserted, they sit high up because your tissues are tight and gravity hasn't taken effect. Over time, natural tissue expansion occurs to allow the implants to fall into place. By this time, your breasts will have taken on a more natural contour, where the lower breasts become softer and rounder. Please wait at least four months for this to happen.

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.Every patient recovers differently and each breast heals at its own rate. Please follow up with your board-certified surgeon regarding your pain. It is vital to inform them of any issues you have during your recovery.

The implant shape may change but they will not looks smaller as they drop. The implant will not look symmetric at first this takes time.   At this point you just need to wait and allow gravity and you tissues to accommodate to the implant volume.

Aven,

Swelling after surgery is very common and can be uneven despite the fact that you are 3 weeks post op.  However, during the next week(s) you should be able to see the swelling decrease and notice an improvement in the appearance of your breasts.   The trauma of the soccer ball hitting your Left breast might cause the swelling on that side to last a little longer.  As always I recommend that you follow up with your surgeon.  He/She via a physical exam will be able to determine if your swelling may be  associated to any other pathology such as:  infection, seroma, or hematoma.  These conditions are a little more serious and would possibly need treatment.  So I recommend that you see your surgeon within a reasonable amount of time.
 

Uneven swelling three weeks after surgery is not at all unusual. It will probably take another 3-6 months for all the swelling to resolve and for you to be able to see your final result. It sounds like, for whatever reason, there was more surgery on your left side than right--which would be expected to make the healing process slower.

I understand your concern about being hit by the soccer ball and the person best able to judge whether there was significant damage from the incident is your surgeon. Chances are, if there was no significant change immediately after you were hit, there is minimal to no additional damage. But you should be seeing your surgeon on a regular basis to evaluate your healing and he or she would be the one to decide if there was damage. Just remember there is always some difference between our two sides and we all tend to be more critical of our own "flaws" than others are. So relax and enjoy your new look.