Breast Augmentation before & after photos
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Pain and Downward Pointing Nipples After Breast Augmentation?

It's been three months since I have had Breast augmentation done. I had the implants put under the muscle however, the breasts are still sore and painful as well as the nipple. Sometimes the nipples almost point downwards and look very ugly--almost puffy. Also the top of the breasts itself is very hard, the profile doe not curve inwards at the top and then fall--it's more raised and hard. When I press on the hard part I can almost feel pushing the implant down. I understand the pain will go, and three months is still early for some, but I really, really am not happy with the hard raised look at the top of them. Is everything normal please?

Asked 32 months ago by unknown1234 in london

Read my review "Breast Augmentation Caused Hard Upper Breasts and Ugly Nipples"

Sort 10 expert answers by:
+2

Nipple pointing down

While there are variations to a person's breast anatomy, a downward facing nipple in front of an implant usually means one of two things. The implant could be too high relative to the nipple position. This places the nipple on the lower half of the implant when it is more appropriately position near the equator or even into the upper hemisphere and the bottom of the implant should sit at, or near, the inframammary crease or fold. In this case, the implant needs to be moved down if it... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

The nipples should not point down after breast augmentation.

Hi. I am afraid I don't feel optimistic about your situation. Nipple soreness after breast augmentation almost always goes away. But I don't think your shape will improve. It sounds like the implants may be too high. I would wait another 3 months, and then consider a revision. What we do in New York City is sit the patient up before the end of surgery (you are still asleep, of course). Then we check to make sure shape, size and symmetry are great. If they are not, we keep working. ... more
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

At this point, time is the answer

This is a difficult medium to discuss these types of issues - it's much easier to give you good advice when you can be seen. Along those lines, I'd encourage you to get a second opinion even now postoperatively if you're not happy with what your surgeon is telling you. Hopefully, it will reassure you that you're on the right path. There are two things that may be going on: You may be just slow to drop and once your implants do drop you'll be fine. Time is the only way to know if this will... more
Robert Frank, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nipples pointing down and implants to high

It sounds like your implants have not descended the way that they should and since it has been 3 months they probably won't. Without examining you and speaking with your surgeon it is impossible to tell. I suggest follow up with your surgeon but ultimately you may need a revision.
Jacob Freiman, MD
Miami Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implants too high

Hello, Hard to tell without photos but it sounds like your implants are too high. If the muscle is not fully released at the bottom then the implants will stay high since the muscle maintains the pocket hight and tight preventing the lower pole from rounding out and the implant settling in the appropriate position. If this is the case the muscle may have to be released as part of a revision surgery.
Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Painful and downward pointing nipples after breast implants

I have found that the exercises illustrated in the video below are useful in getting your breasts implants to settle. Please review with your surgeon first see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Poor Surgical Planning

Without photos it is difficult to determine exactly what the problem is but the nipples should not be downward pointing after surgery. One of two things is likely going on: The implants have remained high because of an inadequate muscle release or a Mastopexy (breast lift) should have been recommended. I would discuss this with your surgeon or get a second opinion. In most cases this can be fixed with a revisional procedure.
Lawrence Iteld, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

By 3 months you should see changes

By 3 months your implants should be on their way to settling. It sounds as though you may need a revision of some kind but it does take time to see you final results. It is really difficult to give you an opinion without examining you or seeing you photos. I encourage you to visit with your plastic surgeon to discuss your progress and make a plan. Best of luck Dr Edwards
Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant issues

 Nipples pointing down and the implants are firm at 3  months, may be an issue you should review with your doctor. The implants may not have come down enough.  You should definitely be checked out.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pain and nipples pointing down 3 months after augmentation

What you describe is not a normal postoperative course after breast augmentation (at least not in my experience). It sounds like your implants are too high, either they slid upwards or the inferior poles were not dissected adequately. It is also possible that you had bleeding in the pockets afterwards which accounts for the hardness, persistent pain. I'm afraid you will need a revision at this point.
George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
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