8 weeks post op breast augmentation and my right breast is tighter than the left. How do I fix this?

Question

I am 8 weeks post op from my breast augmentation and I am still following the no exercise, still sleeping on my back, and still wearing a sports bra. My right breast is noticeably firmer than the left. They both look the same but the left is softer and moves better with massages. I do the same massages everyday to both. My PS told me 3 weeks ago to stop using my right arm. I've been doing this to the best of my ability since then and it's still the same. Any other ideas on how I can soften this?

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Are you right handed?  Are you a runner and/or very fit?  I see a lot of well developed pectoralis muscles staying tight for a longer period of time after surgery, especially on the side of hand dominance.  Your surgeon has given you good advice - limit your movement of the right arm in attempts to try to allow the muscle to relax.  Has your surgeon given you valium or another muscle relaxer?  Sometimes that can help, too.  Anything you do during the day that flexes the pectoralis muscle will keep it tighter for a longer period of time.  Massage the muscle regularly to get it to relax as well.  The more massage you can do, the better you will be.  You can't overdo the massage!  Use some oily lotion to keep the massage from irritating your skin.  Best of luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are common but I your surgeon is best able to help you through this process.  Your surgeon does want the best result for you since happy patients are our best sources for future patients.  Work on keeping your implants level and if your breast remains much firmer months out from surgery and a problem for you, review your options with your surgeon.  Revisions are always possible if it will make a difference in the end.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for one breast to be softer and lower than the other.  At eight weeks post-op, it is still early. Follow closely with your surgeon.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Right handed patents can have problems like this.  Swelling and inflammation of the pec muscle can account for this.  A physical exam is needed to provide more information and possible treatment.In breast augmentation I have chosen to spend time reviewing
photographs with patients to fully understand their expectation of size and
shape.  Many times this simply raises
more questions.  I will make measurements
and use the implant guides to allow the patient to understand exactly the sizes
that are reasonable for their body type and measurements.

Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

8 weeks post op breast augmentation and my right breast is tighter than the left. How do I fix this?

Answers (4)

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8 weeks post op breast augmentation and my right breast is tighter than the left. How do I fix this?

Answers (4)

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