Right Breast Implant Sits Higher Than the Other

Question

I recently had breast augmentation with an internal lift three weeks ago. My right breast implant sits a little higher and I have loose skin around the inner part of the breast. My doctor told me to wrap my breast in bandages and stated that the implant should drop within 6 - 8weeks. Is this a normal post op problem? Will the bandages work and make the implant "drop" on its own, or is revisional surgery the only way to get this fixed?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to tell anything without photos. You are way too early to make any statements about the final result. They usually start to descend at about three weeks. In general it may take 6 months to a year or so to have the implants finally fall into place. Best that you communicate with your board certified plastic surgeon and let him/her know what is going on. Every surgeon may have their own protocol for message, etc;.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon for implants to settle at different rates following a breast augmentation procedure.  Implants can take up to 3-4 months to settle completely and other than performing breast massages (only to be done at the recommendation of your operating surgeon - not all surgeons recommend breast massages) the only other thing that can be done is to patiently wait it out (which I can appreciate is easier said than done).  I would recommend that you follow up with your operating surgeon to discuss your concerns and whether or not your surgeon has any suggestions to help facilitate the settling process.  I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is a little too early for your results to appear. Normally, I tell my patients to wait about 3-4 months to see the implants to drop and settle, giving you a more natural breast contour with more fullness in the lower portion. The bandages help, but it's also the pull of gravity and your natural tissue expansion that help this process along.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You should trust the advice of your surgeon as he is aware of the technical elements of your surgery. Give it time and the implants will resume their final position. If there is still asymmetry, discuss your concerns again in 6 months.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It is much to early to pronounce another operation required to establish symmetry of your breasts. Slight asymmetry is the rule after breast surgery which usually changes over time. This may take several months so be patient.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.
It is still very early in your post-op course. Breast implants usually descend in the first few months. There is signficant debate about whether dressings (bandages and the like) or massage will actually facilitate repositioning implants. Certainly, implants will descend somewhat on their own.
Either way, massage and bandages will certainly not hurt, but your best friend will be additional time.
Be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
I hope this helps.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

Massage, wrapping, and gentle stretching exercises can all be used to coax an implant into the right position after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you what he/she wants you to do to get the best result possible. Implants can remain asymmetric for months after surgery, so give it some time. 3 weeks is very early.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

You describe issues with your right sided implant being higher than the left 3 weeks after surgery. It is important to note that you are very early in the recovery process. When performing internal lifts with implants, over-correction is the norm. This is because the breast will change in shape as it heals. You trusted your plastic surgeon enough to have surgery, please trust them with the postoperative care as well. It can be a bit distressing for patients when the "final" look of the breast is not seen immediately after surgery. But remember that surgery is not the same thing as sculpting - unlike the sculptor, the body changes as it heals and predicting these changes is part of the art of plastic surgery. Follow the directions given by your surgeon. If after several months, you still have issues, then it may be time to discuss revision surgery.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

After a breast lift with implants patients should anticipate a recovery process that may include a great till swelling or asymmetry between their breasts in the early healing process. At three weeks, it is possible that the different position of your breasts may be deemed to uneven swelling between your breasts. Be sure that you inform your plastic surgeon of your concerns as they will want to examine you to make sure that the difference you notice is from swelling and not from a collection or a more serious matter. You should expect to see the final result of your breast implants when the swelling completely subsides. This may vary between patients but your final result should be visible at 3 to 4 months.

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Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although breast augmentation is one surgery, the healing process will be two seperate ones. One breast may settle faster than they other, one may have more bruising and swelling than the other. Point is, it is much too early to determine how things will look. Usually, final results are seen around 4-6 months and could even take up to one year. If you have any issues or concerns, consult with your plastic surgeon to address them for you, since they are the ones who know what was done during your surgery.

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Right Breast Implant Sits Higher Than the Other

Answers (17)

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