How Long Will I Have Tightness After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
&srotate=0)
If you have begun to do your research on breast augmentation surgery, you may already know that swelling is a normal and expected side effect of the procedure. In addition, patients should be prepared for their implants to feel somewhat firm, tight, or even slightly hard following a breast augmentation. In most cases, tightness after breast augmentation is normal and resolves on its own, but it is important to know how long is too long for breast implant firmness to last. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao is committed to helping patients feel prepared, comfortable, and confident going into breast augmentation surgery by providing a thorough preoperative consultation and education. Use the helpful information here to better understand how long your breast implant tightness may last and when you may need to seek evaluation for your ongoing symptoms.
Why are breast implants hard after surgery?
There are a number of factors that contribute to implant hardness following breast augmentation surgery. Healing tissues and swelling can create a feeling of tightness, and the muscles and tissues around the implant also need time to stretch to accommodate the added volume of the implant. Once the breast pocket has expanded, and postoperative swelling resolves, breast implants should begin to soften, drop, and settle for a more natural look and feel.
How long will breast implants feel tight after surgery?
On average, patients can expect swelling after breast augmentation to subside significantly within about 2 – 3 months, at which time the implants will begin to soften and settle. However, it can take up to six months or longer for the feeling of tightness or firmness to completely resolve. If you notice that your breasts still look or feel tight, firm, or high about 6 – 8 months after breast augmentation surgery, let your doctor know so that they can evaluate for a possible breast implant complication, like capsular contracture.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a potential complication associated with breast augmentation surgery. Following the placement of a breast implant, the body will naturally form a protective capsule of scar tissue around the foreign body. In rare cases, the capsule becomes overly tight and begins to constrict the implant excessively, leading to a list of unwanted symptoms and side effects.
Do I have capsular contracture?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of capsular contracture include:
- High-sitting breasts
- Overly firm breasts
- Tightness that lasts for more than six months after breast augmentation surgery
- A painful, squeezing sensation in the breast
- Misshapen breasts
- Asymmetric breasts
- Spherical breasts
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms or have developed cosmetic concerns that you think may be associated with capsular contracture – including breast implant firmness that lasts for more than six months – it is important to schedule another follow-up with your surgeon to evaluate for a potential complication and determine the most appropriate corrective measures.
Fortunately, the vast majority of patients do not experience complications after breast augmentation surgery and enjoy the soft, natural-looking breasts they had hoped for.
Your sexy new look will be worth the wait after breast augmentation in Tucson, AZ
Knowing what to expect after breast implant surgery can help you feel more at ease during your recovery period. While breast augmentation tightness is normal, it is important to understand that excessive, prolonged, or painful firmness may be a sign that you need to seek reevaluation. To learn more about your options for breast augmentation surgery – as well as what you can expect during and after the procedure – call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to schedule your private consultation with Tucson, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao today.