One of my breasts still feels tight 4 weeks after BA surgery. Is this normal?

I have 175cc implants but one has been very tight from the start and feels like the pocket was not made big enough. It's been 4 weeks and no improvement. Is this normal? Will it get better?

Answers from doctors (14)


Y Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Published on Apr 22, 2019

It does take a couple of months for the tissues to adapt to the new implant. That being said, it is very reasonable to see your plastic surgeon and voice your concerns. They will be best able to address them.

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Answered by Y Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

It does take a couple of months for the tissues to adapt to the new implant. That being said, it is very reasonable to see your plastic surgeon and voice your concerns. They will be best able to address them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Hamilton Surgical Arts

Published on Oct 12, 2016

It takes at least 2 months for implants to drop and soften. If after that time they haven't dropped, your surgeon can fix it.

Answered by Hamilton Surgical Arts (View Profile)

It takes at least 2 months for implants to drop and soften. If after that time they haven't dropped, your surgeon can fix it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

Published on Jun 14, 2016

175cc is a small implant, and while not impossible, it would seem unlikely that the pocket was not large enough. Please mention this to your surgeon and find out his/her recommendation.

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Answered by ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

175cc is a small implant, and while not impossible, it would seem unlikely that the pocket was not large enough. Please mention this to your surgeon and find out his/her recommendation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 02, 2016

It depends on your nursing history, where the implant was placed and genetic factors. It may take 6 mos or more to soften. Check with your surgeon.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

It depends on your nursing history, where the implant was placed and genetic factors. It may take 6 mos or more to soften. Check with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Mar 18, 2016

Yes, that is normal. Wound healing takes time. But if you are concerned, it is always best to consult with your surgeon.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Yes, that is normal. Wound healing takes time. But if you are concerned, it is always best to consult with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Feb 06, 2016

Thank you for your question. It's not uncommon for your breasts to feel tight one month after breast augmentation. It may take several months for the breasts to soften. You may want to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Certain vitamins and medications may help soften your breast. Taking vitamin E, butterbur, and leukotriene inhibitors (singular, accolate, zafirlukast) may help improve your breasts. Additionally, external ultrasound and massage treatments may be beneficial. Discuss your options with your plastic surgeon. I hope you feel better.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. It's not uncommon for your breasts to feel tight one month after breast augmentation. It may take several months for the breasts to soften. You may want to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Certain vitamins and medications may help soften your breast. Taking vitamin E, butterbur, and leukotriene inhibitors (singular, accolate, zafirlukast) may help improve your breasts. Additionally, external ultrasound and massage treatments may be beneficial. Discuss your options with your plastic surgeon. I hope you feel better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on Feb 02, 2016

It is not unusual for patients to feel very tight for up to 6 weeks. You did not mention if you had your implants placed under the chest muscle and if so, this would cause more tightness. If you having discomfort, it helps to have a muscle relaxant to help ease the tightness you are feeling. Also, make sure that you stretch out your shoulders. Often times patients want to hunch over and this causes more discomfort. I would advise that you also call your surgeon and let them know at your office visit that you are still feeling extremely tight. He or she will also want to check to make sure that you do not have a capsule or hematoma. I wish you luck in your recovery.

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Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

It is not unusual for patients to feel very tight for up to 6 weeks. You did not mention if you had your implants placed under the chest muscle and if so, this would cause more tightness. If you having discomfort, it helps to have a muscle relaxant to help ease the tightness you are feeling. Also, make sure that you stretch out your shoulders. Often times patients want to hunch over and this causes more discomfort. I would advise that you also call your surgeon and let them know at your office visit that you are still feeling extremely tight. He or she will also want to check to make sure that you do not have a capsule or hematoma. I wish you luck in your recovery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Boris Bergus, MD

Published on Feb 02, 2016

You will need to be evaluated, but it is possible that you just require more time to have the implants settle.

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Answered by Boris Bergus, MD

You will need to be evaluated, but it is possible that you just require more time to have the implants settle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Feb 02, 2016

Thank you for your question. The best way to provide true advice would be an in-person exam. That said, if your implants were placed under the muscle, having a sensation of tightness if often still seen at 4-weeks post-op. It typically takes about 6 months to feel like the implants are just the "new normal." If your symptoms continue, or worsen, it is important to follow-up with your board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure you are healing appropriately.

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Answered by Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. The best way to provide true advice would be an in-person exam. That said, if your implants were placed under the muscle, having a sensation of tightness if often still seen at 4-weeks post-op. It typically takes about 6 months to feel like the implants are just the "new normal." If your symptoms continue, or worsen, it is important to follow-up with your board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure you are healing appropriately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Feb 02, 2016

It sounds like maybe your implants are under the muscle, which may give the feeling of tightness. I would ask your plastic surgeon whether he recommends anything like massage, band, ultrasound, etc.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

It sounds like maybe your implants are under the muscle, which may give the feeling of tightness. I would ask your plastic surgeon whether he recommends anything like massage, band, ultrasound, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Feb 02, 2016

Thank you for asking. It's too hard to say in this forum. Your PS is the only one who can say what your dissection was like. He/she should be the one to guide you. Best wishes.

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for asking. It's too hard to say in this forum. Your PS is the only one who can say what your dissection was like. He/she should be the one to guide you. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Feb 02, 2016

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, without being able to examine you, it will be difficult for online consultants to give you good advice.

"Tightness" for the first month or so after breast surgery is very normal, and it's also normal for one breast to settle faster than the other. That said, it would be in your best interest to see your surgeon so that he/she can examine you and make sure that all is healing nicely.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, without being able to examine you, it will be difficult for online consultants to give you good advice.

"Tightness" for the first month or so after breast surgery is very normal, and it's also normal for one breast to settle faster than the other. That said, it would be in your best interest to see your surgeon so that he/she can examine you and make sure that all is healing nicely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Christopher Pelletiere, MD

Published on Feb 02, 2016

Each breast heals differently, so one can take longer to soften and settle than the other said. However, it can also be a sign of scar tissue developing around the implant itself, or the muscle could still be holding the implant higher than desired. I recommend massaging the breast 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time, as well as making an appointment with your surgeon. Only a direct examination will be able to discern if this is normal healing or a complication developing. I hope this helps.

Answered by Christopher Pelletiere, MD (View Profile)

Each breast heals differently, so one can take longer to soften and settle than the other said. However, it can also be a sign of scar tissue developing around the implant itself, or the muscle could still be holding the implant higher than desired. I recommend massaging the breast 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time, as well as making an appointment with your surgeon. Only a direct examination will be able to discern if this is normal healing or a complication developing. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Feb 02, 2016

It will typically take about 3-4 weeks for the implants to soften and settle in a properly placed breast implant, However, one side may take longer, and this is usually related to pectoralis muscle spasm. This spasm can be broken with implant exercises and anti-inflammatories.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

It will typically take about 3-4 weeks for the implants to soften and settle in a properly placed breast implant, However, one side may take longer, and this is usually related to pectoralis muscle spasm. This spasm can be broken with implant exercises and anti-inflammatories.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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