Tightness After Breast Augmentation
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery can enhance your life and your self-confidence in a number of ways. Dr. Stuart Baker has helped countless patients in the Monticello, IL area thanks to the cosmetic benefits of silicone and saline breast implants. Yet there are also side effects and risks that patients need to be aware of.
We at the Center for Cosmetic Medicine would like to consider tightness after breast augmentation surgery. This is a side effect that some patients experience, and that we receive many questions about.
How Common Is Tightness After Breast Augmentation?
Many patients who get breast implants placed experience tightness around the chest after their surgery. To a certain extent, this is a normal sensation given the nature of he surgery and how it is performed. It could be the sign of a complication, however, which is why it’s important to monitor all surgical side effects closely.
What Causes It to Happen?
In many cases, this is just a sign of your breasts adjusting to the presence of the implants themselves. The implants will press at the skin and the tissue of the chest as well as the pocket created to accommodate the implant. It can take a little time for your body to get used to the presence of the implants, even small implants.
Is This a Sign of Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication of breast augmentation surgery. This occurs when scar tissue forms around the breast implant and compresses it. This can lead to a great deal of pain in addition to sensations of tightness around the chest and deformation of the breasts.
If you think you are suffering from capsular contracture, be sure to contact our Monticello office as soon as possible so the matter can be dealt with promptly. Be mindful of any serious pain or discomfort, or any major changes in the texture or appearance of your breasts.
How Long Does the Tightness Last?
Usually patients can experience tightness in the chest and breast area for several weeks, though the tightness tends to subside on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. The nature of the tightness and its duration will vary from patient to patient.
Tips for Reducing Tightness and Discomfort
The best way to reduce discomfort after you’ve undergone breast augmentation surgery is to follow all instructions for post-operative care. This includes instructions on rest, physical activity, wearing surgical bras, and so forth. Proper healing will ensure all surgical side effects subside as soon as possible.
If you experience any sort of undue pain or discomfort during the recovery process, it’s important that you get in touch with our practice so the matter can be addressed. It could be the sign of a serious side effect, which we will do our best to remedy as soon as possible.
Attend All Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
In addition to following all post-op instructions closely, it’s important that patients attend all follow-up visits with their plastic surgeon as scheduled. This will give you an opportunity to express any concerns you’ve had while healing and for your plastic surgeon to let you know if this is normal or an issue that requires more looking into. Simply visiting the practice for these additional visit can offer a great deal of peace of mind.
Speak with an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
For more information about what to expect after getting breast implants, be sure to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Baker can be reached at his Monticello office at (217) 877-9439.
