Breast Reconstruction: Q&A

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How Long Does It Take Implants to Look "Normal" After Reconstruction Surgery?

Hello, I am 27 years old - 5' 3" 155 lbs. Medium frame. I recently had a bilateral mastectomy and went thru the tissue expansion process and had the expanders filled to 600 cc's before implant surgery. I am one week post surgery and my silicone gel implants are 650 cc's. My question is how long does it take for the implants to settle or take the shape/look that they will ultimately be. I came out of surgery expecting bigger (at least a full C cup)- and what can I do to help recovery.

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age 25-34 mastectomy 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in 650-699cc silicone implant 150-169 lbs normal

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jess830409 in Orlando FL

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Recovery After Breast Reduction

With a breast reconstruction like yours, it may take anywhere between one and three months for the implants to settle or take the shape/look that they will always have. After tissue expanders are exchanged for implants, the soft tissues covering the implants will conform to the new implant shape rather than the previous expander shape. Sometimes there may be little change after surgery, but more often this process takes several weeks to be completed. If you were expanded to 600cc and 650cc... more

Recovery after Silicone Implant Reconstruction of the Breast

It can take several weeks to months for an implant expander breast reconstruction to settle down and depending upon the quality of the skin envelope may vary considerably. Later scar capsule contractures can form around the breast implant causing them to be deformed or displaced. For these reasons, when appropriate, I prefer to used autologous tissue techniques for breast reconstruction where a soft, warm natural breast con be made using your own fat and skin tissues.... more

Breast shape

At one week post implant placement, you are very early and there is probably a lot of swelling. You need to give it six months or longer.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Depending on the type of mastectomy you had, the skin envelope will play a large role in the final shape. Skin and Nipple sparing mastectomies allow for a much more aesthetically pleasing result than traditional mastectomy. It is also important to view breast reconstruction as a process and not a procedure. It is not uncommon to require revision down the road to obtain the optimal shape and size. I typically wait 6 months to determine the final position of the... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Breast Reconstruction: Q&A