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David Shafer, MD answers: Right breast implant takes longer to drop

I am three weeks and 2 days post op under muscle Mentor smooth round moderate profile saline implants of 225 cc filled to 250 cc. I was a full 34B but 41 years old and trying to fight gravity. My left breast implant has been sitting lower since week two and feels almost like it's not there (I mean it's beginning to feel like my own). My right one still looks close to where it was when I came home, and always feels like it's trying to go up further especially when I bend over to pick things up or pet the dog. I was told to only start massage at my two week mark which I have been doing religiously.

Why is the implant placed so high in the chest area in the first place when getting sub-muscular implant?

I am really concerned that the pocket was not made wide enough on the right and won't drop because it can't. I am constantly wondering if I should use my arm as I normally would or if I should try to use it as little as possible. Should I wear a strap or go braless?
I chose my plastic surgeon because all of the pictures on his website looked so natural. I did not want to look like I had implants. At the moment, I look like I have something shoved up into my chest on the right side. It's ugly! I am going to Hawaii with my Mother in Law in two months and can't even go bathing suit shopping.

PLEASE HELP!


David Shafer, MD
8 months ago
By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

From the picture, it looks like there is more volume on your right side than the left. Has it looked like this from the beginning? It is hard to tell with only one picture and not examining you, but you may have a fluid collection, such as a hematoma, on that side accentuating the asymmetry. Also, the implant may be "riding high," for you should start the massage and superior strap earlier rather than later. If you are not getting the answers that you want from your surgeon, then you should get a second opinion. Good luck.

Web reference: http://www.RealPlasticSurgery.com
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More answers to “Right breast implant takes longer to drop”

A: No pictures are only 3 weeks post surgery

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
8 months ago
By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Dear Kilt,
I would be willing to bet the cost of a breast augmentation that NONE of the pictures on your surgeon's website are patients just 3 weeks and two days after surgery. We have good reason for waiting at least six months before obtaining our post operative photos. Implants do indeed descend on the chest wall over time. The time may be as long as six months and you would be surprised at the symmetry that can occur. Please be patient and listen to your surgeon. He may reccommend placing a band to hasten the descent of the right implant. Good luck!

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A: I am afraid you will need a revision.

George J. Beraka, MD
8 months ago
By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! Of course don't do anything for another 3 months, to make sure things don't change. But after 3 weeks, I don't think the right breast implant will drop.

By the way, I don't count on implants "dropping". I think they should look exactly right at the end of the operation. We sit the patient up (still under anesthesia) before the end of surgery to make sure everything looks perfect.

Unfortunately, massage is not going to help.

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