Patients undergoing breast augmentation with breast lift can anticipate significant swelling in the immediate postoperative period. This swelling resolves quickly with the vast majority being gone in about three weeks. Almost all of the visible swelling is gone in 4 to 6 weeks, but small amounts of residual swelling may be present for up to 3 to 4 months following surgery.
Compression bras and dressings are frequently used following breast augmentation with breast lift to minimize swelling. Swelling can add to a patient’s postoperative discomfort. It can also increase anxiety regarding breast size immediately after surgery.
For these reasons, we feel it’s important for the patient and the surgeon to have good communication regarding this topic immediately following surgery. In this situation, a little reassurance can go a long way towards making this a more comfortable experience.