6 months to settle

Kenneth R. Francis, MD answers: Techniques for settling new breast implants?

I'm 4 weeks post breast augmentation surgery, and my surgeon wants me to sleep with a workout bra pulled up above my breasts to help push them down and drop more below my nipples. The first three weeks, I was in plastic bandages to keep them up. I had 300cc silocone under muscle, but was told that during surgery, my doctor decided to do lift because of my skin.

None of my friends have heard of this technique and their breasts settled in. Is this normal? My breasts do seem too high and my nipples too low. Are there other "techniques" for making the breasts settle the way my doctor wanted it?


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

Giross,

Your description of the decision to perform a "lift" sounds dubious unless you had this conversation with the surgeon preoperatively.  Implants will descend with time and may take 6 months to reach their final destination.  Wearing a tight garment over the top part of the breasts may speed the process of implant settling.  I use a breast band on my patients that need this intervention.  It can be worn night and day and may be more comfortable than pulling a sports bra up.  Good luck!

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More answers to “Techniques for settling new breast implants?”

A: "Settling" breast implants after surgery

Barry H. Dolich, MD
9 months ago
By Barry H. Dolich, MD - Bronx Plastic Surgeon

It sounds like you have high riding implants which can sometimes be repositioned in the early post op. period by the use of a bandage or special garments. However, a consultation would be necessary to ascertain the surgical realities and alternatives

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A: After 4 weeks, breast implants will not come down

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

To giross,

Hi. Now, of course, I don't know exactly what you look like, and you are not going to like my opinion. But, if your nipples are too low and the implants are too high, there is nothing that will correct this other than another operation.

Unfortunately, this is not rare, because the muscle attachments are naturally HIGHER than the natural fold under the breasts. The lower ends of the pectoral muscles need to divided. This lowers the implant pockets, and allows the implants to come down.  When the implants are centered behind the nipples, the nipples automatically come up.

I would recommend waiting several months before doing a revision, just in case there is some spontaneous improvement. But, as I said, this seems unlikely.

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A: That is a normal technique for pushing the implants down

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

giross,

A few issues... I hope that the doctor explained to you about the lift BEFORE your surgery. Many times there is a possibility of having to do a lift, but you should be well aware of this before your surgery.

As for your implants settling, it is common to wear a special bra or strap to help push the implants into place if they are riding high. It is curious that initially you were told to push them up and now you are told to push them down. However, your doctor may just be trying to get them into perfect position for you.

Good luck with your recovery. It takes about 3 to 6 months for your implants to completely settle.

Web reference: http://www.RealPlasticSurgery.com
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A: Breast implants and settling

Steven Wallach, MD
8 months ago
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Usually, the breast implants settle with time, especially if they are smooth walled implants. This may take several months, so just be a bit patient.

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