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?

Sort: Date | Helpful
15 answers to “Techniques for settling new breast...”

A: Post-operative breast implant displacement exercises

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

SEE VIDEO BELOW BY CLICKING "MORE": The use of post operative breast implant displacement exercises is controversial and not recommended by all practitioners. First discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to embarking on this regimen 

A: At 4 weeks, it's a bit late for settling breast implants

John P. Di Saia, MD
By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, At 4 weeks, the real question is will anything other than more surgery work to get things to settle. I would try what your surgeon suggests but start up the discussion of what you will do if this doesn't work and how long you are going to wait. It is a matter of degree sometimes and if things are close... more

A: Few technical points for settling implants

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
By Hisham Seify, MD, PhD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

In general, the intra-operative goal is to have the implant in the correct location. However,in some patients specially with tight lower pole. An implant placed under the muscle could be a little high due to muscle contraction and because the implant will follow the plan of least resistance. Massage... more

A: Settling Breast Implants

Steven H. Williams, MD
By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question - There are specific bandages and dressings that can be supplied by your surgeon to help put downward pressure on your breasts. Massage may also help. In all likelihood the most important factor is time. As swelling comes down and gravity does it work the position of your implants... more

A: Breast massage should be considered

David Rankin, MD
By David Rankin, MD - Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

I agree that a breast "band-O" or simple ace bandage placed at the top of the breasts with consistent downward pressure will aid in dropping your implants into position. Also, I would recommend active downward massage displacement to each breast 4-5 times a day for about 15 seconds to each breast... more

A: Breast implants and settling

Steven Wallach, MD
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.

A: Will settle with time

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
By Bahram Ghaderi, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Implants are typically higher in the initial phase of healing and will settle with time usually around 3-6month postop. Typically a breast lift is decided upon prior to surgery once all your measurements and exam has been completed. Discuss with your surgeon the rational to push your implants up in the first... more

A: Sounds like an inexperienced surgeon

Richard P. Rand, MD
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Making a decision intraoperatively to do a lift is unusual.  It should be clear to an experienced plastic surgeon preop when a lift will be required.  Having your implants low and then high is also strange.  Basically, you will settle over 6 months and know what your final result will be. ... more

A: 6 months to settle

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
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... more

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

David Shafer, MD
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... more

Ask your question:

Get your answer
Email to friend
Permalink

Breast implants before & after photos

Periareolar Augmentation Mastopexy (Breast Augmentation)After
View all 818 photos
SPONSORED

Breast implants FAQ

IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.