Can fluid build up in the breast implant pocket and cause extreme tenderness in certain areas of the breast at the end of the day?

By the end of the day, I can't touch or massage the bottom part of my right breast because it is so sensitive. It feels like they may swell throughout the day and are retaining fluid because I can feel sloshing. My left breast does the same, but is not sensitive to touch at all.

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor Michelle Roughton, MD

Published on Nov 22, 2019

How far out are you from your surgery? Sloshing more than say 2 weeks out is concerning to me for fluid in the pocket around the device called a serum. Yes for sure everything is more swollen at the end of the day than first thing in the AM. Sometimes little nerves get trapped in scars--called neuroma. When they cause pain, patients often describe burning, shooting or electric shock type pain. These can get better with massage and desensitization, and if not getting better quickly, they can respond to a medicine called gabapentin/Neurontin. If the pain is more dull and achy, massage and ibuprofen may be better choices. Good luck!

Answered by Michelle Roughton, MD (View Profile)

How far out are you from your surgery? Sloshing more than say 2 weeks out is concerning to me for fluid in the pocket around the device called a serum. Yes for sure everything is more swollen at the end of the day than first thing in the AM. Sometimes little nerves get trapped in scars--called neuroma. When they cause pain, patients often describe burning, shooting or electric shock type pain. These can get better with massage and desensitization, and if not getting better quickly, they can respond to a medicine called gabapentin/Neurontin. If the pain is more dull and achy, massage and ibuprofen may be better choices. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Paul Vitenas Jr., MD

Published on Apr 13, 2017

If you are in the early stages of your recovery, it is very common to hear that “sloshing” type sound- this will eventually go away. The more you are getting your heart rate up/blood pressure up, the more swelling and tenderness that may occur. It is best to keep your heart rate at rest, and to do light activities for the first 4-6 weeks post-operatively. It is also recommended that you visit your doctor for a follow up to make sure that your implants aren't causing you any problems.

Answered by Paul Vitenas Jr., MD (View Profile)

If you are in the early stages of your recovery, it is very common to hear that “sloshing” type sound- this will eventually go away. The more you are getting your heart rate up/blood pressure up, the more swelling and tenderness that may occur. It is best to keep your heart rate at rest, and to do light activities for the first 4-6 weeks post-operatively. It is also recommended that you visit your doctor for a follow up to make sure that your implants aren't causing you any problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Mar 16, 2017

It is not uncommon to have minor swelling and tenderness with a sloshing sensation early after breast implant surgery. This may be more noticeable in one breast only and may fluctuate with position and time of day. It should resolve fully within a few weeks. If you are having similar sensations well after your initial recovery period, it would be best to followup with your plastic surgeon to assure that you are not having any problem that needs treatment.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

It is not uncommon to have minor swelling and tenderness with a sloshing sensation early after breast implant surgery. This may be more noticeable in one breast only and may fluctuate with position and time of day. It should resolve fully within a few weeks. If you are having similar sensations well after your initial recovery period, it would be best to followup with your plastic surgeon to assure that you are not having any problem that needs treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Mar 16, 2017

This is unusual and I would go back to your plastic surgeon.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
1441 Avocado Avenue, Suite 307
Newport Beach, California 92660
949.640-6324/1.888.234-5080(Ca)
FAX- 949.640-7347
Website: http://www.surgery-plastic.com
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2017
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
www.ASBPS.org
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

This is unusual and I would go back to your plastic surgeon.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
1441 Avocado Avenue, Suite 307
Newport Beach, California 92660
949.640-6324/1.888.234-5080(Ca)
FAX- 949.640-7347
Website: http://www.surgery-plastic.com
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2017
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
www.ASBPS.org
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Mar 15, 2017

Breast implant massage is unnecessary to normal healing and will not prevent or treat capsular contracture. You may stop immediately. You should not be hearing sliding sounds or experiencing pain. Please visit your surgeon.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Breast implant massage is unnecessary to normal healing and will not prevent or treat capsular contracture. You may stop immediately. You should not be hearing sliding sounds or experiencing pain. Please visit your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert Kearney, MD

Published on Mar 15, 2017

You can get fluid around the implant but it makes the breast feel very firm and I have never heard anyone say they heard sloshing. You can have your PS order an ultrasound of your breast to confirm the fluid - it will cost you money so if you are not going to have a surgery to address, I am not sure I would get it. Have your PS do a good exam when you have the fluid.

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Answered by Robert Kearney, MD

You can get fluid around the implant but it makes the breast feel very firm and I have never heard anyone say they heard sloshing. You can have your PS order an ultrasound of your breast to confirm the fluid - it will cost you money so if you are not going to have a surgery to address, I am not sure I would get it. Have your PS do a good exam when you have the fluid.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Susan Vasko MD, FACS

Published on Mar 15, 2017

You should make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to do an exam to determine the cause of your discomfort. Best wishes.

Answered by Susan Vasko MD, FACS (View Profile)

You should make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to do an exam to determine the cause of your discomfort. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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