When I Wake Up in the Morning, my Breasts Feel So Tight and Swollen. Is This Normal? (photo)

Question

I am 5 days Post-Op (400cc Mentor Silicone Gel, High Profile, under the muscle). When I wake up in the mornings, my breasts feel like they are two times bigger. The swelling and tightness is extremely painful. Throughout the day, it seems to get better. Is this normal and is there anything I can do to help with the swelling?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling is common after breast augmentation. Please wear your post surgical bra at all times (day and night, including while you’re sleeping). This can help with swelling.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling and tightness is normal and expected following a breast augmentation procedure, especially if the implants are placed beneath the muscle.  As the muscle and skin stretch to accommodate the volume of your implant, you should find some relief from this discomfort.  Wearing a light weight and supportive compression bra is also something that I advise to all of my breast augmentation patients to wear to help lessen these symptoms.  With that said, your operating plastic surgeon is most qualified to answer these questions as they are most familiar with your case.  Please follow up with your operating surgeon and be patient, it takes several weeks to months for your breasts to start looking and feeling great!  I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.After your #breast #augmentation surgery, #swelling is normal.  It takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and
muscles to relax into their final shape. Walking around the house and other light activity periodically throughout the day will help minimize swelling and bruising and help with the #healing process.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  You are very early in your post operative period.  What you are describing is swelling and muscle spasm which is common at this point.  Best to speak with your board certified plastic surgeon.  Let them know your concerns.  They will often have a post operative protocol.

Mark Sofonio, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your story. You should contact your treating physician as soon as you can.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Whether it is in the morning or by the end of the day (you happen to be in the morning) it is very common for women to discuss fullness and tightness especially only a few days out from augmentation.  Your photos suggest that you will do very well.  I would expect the fullness, and tightness that you describe to settle down over the next week or two.  Continue to follow the instructions of your surgeon and I wish you all the best.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have swelling and tightness post breast augmentation. Each surgeon has his or her guidelines for postoperative care. Consult with your surgeon as he or she knows the specifics about you and the scope of the surgery.

Jacob Freiman, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to feel swollen after surgery. Follow up with your ps to see if the healing is normal. it would be very rare to have bilateral hematomas. sounds normal

David Bogue, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel tight after breast augmentation. This relaxation that occurs as the day goes on is also normal. We instruct our patients to wear their postoperative bra night and day for the first two weeks which helps to mitigate these symptoms.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

Since you are only a few days out I am sure this will reolve in time.Also if you are having your period this can cause breast swelling as well.

When I Wake Up in the Morning, my Breasts Feel So Tight and Swollen. Is This Normal? (photo)

Answers (14)