Swelling and tightness is normal after breast augmentation but should improve rather worsen. You are describing your swelling as actually getting worse over the week and the breasts becoming hard.
I would contact your surgeon for an evaluation if your swelling is worsening rather than improving. If overall you feel better and your pain is getting better, then you are recovering as expected.
Your implants are on the smaller side so you should have an easier recovery than someone who has a very large implant.
Bleeding several days after surgery can happen and cause increased swelling and hardness to the breast. But is usually only happens to one side and not both, and pain would also increase and you state you have no pain.
You are likely having a normal recovery period and would benefit from reassurance by your surgeon. I would contact the office to make an appointment as soon as possible for an evaluation. (Bahram Ghaderi, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling following breast augmentation is normal
Swelling post breast augmentation surgery is to be expected . This is based on the inflammation caused by creating the pocket for your implant as well as the implant itself. Swelling begins to resolve within 2 weeks of surgery and a majority resolves by 6 weeks. You may still experience a small amount as far out as 3 months following surgery. As your swelling resolves and your skin relaxes to accomodate the implant, your tightness will improve and your breasts will assume a more natural shape. (David A. Robinson, MD, Munster Plastic Surgeon)
It is normal for the breast to have moderate swelling after breast augmentation surgery. However, it the swelling continues to grow or is causing increasing pain or stiffness/hardness to the breast, you need to see your doctor to make sure there is not another explanation such as hematoma. Usually in hematoma, there is unilateral (one-sided) swelling/enlargement. However, it is possible to have it bilateral (both sides). (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
See your plastic surgeon right away! After 4 days, swelling post breast augmentation should have started to go down, not up. There should not be much swelling anyway. And your breasts should definitely not be hard. If you have even small hematomas (blood clots), they should be evacuated immediately, because even a small hematoma will cause your breasts to become hard (severe capsular contracture) for sure. Now, you may well be misinterpreting things and you may be just fine, but definitely see your surgeon promptly and let him evaluate you. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
You should contact your surgeon now and possibly see him or her for an exam. However, it is certainly common for patients to have post-operative swelling including the areas above the nipples. The symptoms may be normal, but in-person examination may be needed to verify this and reassure you. Call your surgeon. (Sutton Graham II, MD, Greenville Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after breast augmentation is normal
The swelling you describe is normal. You should be asking these questions of your doctor, because he or she is best equipped to answer all of your questions and concerns. (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling and tightness after breast augmentation is common. Much has to do with the size of the implant and he extent of the surgical dissection. Larger implants stretch out the tissues more and result in larger and more pronounced temporary swelling. The tissue relaxes over time. Submuscular implant placement swells the pectoral muscle as well the breast tissue. taking arnica and restricting salt intake help to limit the swelling process. (Marshall T. Partington, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
It is very normal for patients to describe what you are having. Stay relaxed and calm, maybe ask your doctor for some muscle relaxers like Valium plus massage techniques to help with the process. Over 6-8 weeks, this will dramatically improve as your tissues stretch and accomodate to the implant.
These are all things your doctor’s office should have made very clear from the start so you weren’t so worried that you needed to ask on the internet! (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)