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How Long Does It Take for Breasts to "Drop" After an Implant Replacement?

asked 2 years ago by toppa in Out of state
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 5,979 times
Tags: breasts, saline implants, silicone implant, under muscle

I am planning on implant replacments from saline to silicone. My implants are submuscular. I am hoping for a slight increase in size (say half a cup size) and less projection. Is "dropping" the relaxing of the pectoral muscles? How does dropping work with implant replacement, and how long should I expect it to take?

12 answers to How Long Does It Take for Breasts to "Drop" After an Implant Replacement?

Implants and dropping

Implants initially after palcing under the muscle tend to rise because of muscle spasm and contraction. As time goes by( 3-4 months usually) the implants drop into the pocket a little bit better.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Drop after implant replacement

Dropping can take months. I note that the question asks about implant replacement. It is difficult to assess until swelling has decreased so, while the surgeon may have properly placed the implant, it may take time for the patient to see the final result.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Revisionary Breast Surgery

On average, the second breast augmentation procedure is "less recovery" than the first time around. The "settling" process will be less than the first time but because you are going a larger, there may be SOME settling time. The size and model of breast implant used may make a significant difference in the final outcome. Therefore, it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. In my practice, the use of photographs of... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

" Dropping" After Implant Exchange Happens Very Fast

When a patient is exchanging their implants out for a larger size, unless it is twice the size of the old implant and the pocket is very tight, the implants should settle into position withina week or two. All the hard work has been done with the first surgery, so it generally occurs pretty quick witha simple implant exchange. I hope this helps.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

How Long Does It Take for Breasts to "Drop" After an Implant Replacement

How Long Does It Take for Breasts to "Drop" After an Implant Replacement? The safe answer is 6-9 months.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Settling of breast implants

As a general rule, "settling" of the breast occurs more quickly after a redo of your implants as compared to first operation. However, if you go with a much larger size implant, then you might experience a "settling" period similar to what you experienced your first go-round.

Deason Dunagan, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

Dropping of implants

If you are hoping for less projection, going under the muscle and a smaller size will achieve this look. However, you said you were hoping for an increase in size so this will alter this a little bit. You could talk to your surgeon about the different types of implants, low, moderate, and high profile implants. As far as the "dropping" of the implants, you may see a slight change once the swelling has gone down in a couple weeks, but the implants should be positioned more... more

Sam Speron, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant dropping / settling etc

I completely agree with Dr. Beraka. The plastic surgeon and his OR staff SEE the result of the breast augmentation in the OR. The way the implant looks in the OR will eventually be the way the implants will look a few weeks later when post-surgical swelling which blurrs this image subsides and the permanent original result reappears. WYSIWYG. While time and gravity will pull down every structure, including breasts, it bears remembering that there is NO "breast fairy" whose... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants should look good right away.

Hi. I think the notion of breast implants having to "drop" is largely a myth. If the breast implant pockets are properly placed, you breasts should look great right after surgery. And if they don't look great right away, I am afraid they won't look great in six months.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant settling

After a replacement, the soft tissues of the breasts are a bit swollen, but the implants usually are in their correct position right away. After an initial breast augmentation, much of the drop occurs in the first month, and continues for about six months. Subtle changes are sometimes seen even up to a year after surgery. Best wishes, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

"Drop" after an implant replacement

No need to be concerned about the drop of the replaced implants. Especially if you use a smaller size. Immediate effect will be seen. From MIAMI

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant replacement

If your current implants aren't too high, staying under the muscle and going with smaller implants, there will be absolutely no need for any settling to take place. The implants will instantly look less full in the upper pole.