11 weeks post-op, my left breast still has not settled, will I need a revision? (Photos)

Although your breasts may change for up to 6 months, the combination of pain, and different shape most likely due to early capsular contracture. I would continue to follow with your surgeon, and if there is no improvement at 6 months, revisional surgery will be needed.

Hello,It is unlikely this will soften, but it should be re-evaluated at 6 months post op; at that time it would be amenable to revision surgery. Called a total capsulectomy, it should be performed through an inframammary incision to minimize recurrence. If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member who specializes in revision breast surgery, you should consult with a few who are. Best of luck!

It can take up to 6 months for the implants to settle. It's not unusual for one to settle in quicker than the other. Is your surgeon having you massage the left implant frequently and aggressively? This usually will help. If you do have early capsular contracture, the massaging can help. I would wait it out at least 6mo to a year. If it's still stuck in a higher position, a simple capsule release can be done. Best of luck! Dr Admire

Hi bee_mee,

I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 11 weeks post op.

Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.

At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.

Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.

But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery.

Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I recommend waiting at least six months before making a decision regarding the need for breast revision surgery.    I recommend
that you maintain close follow-up with your surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Your concerns are very common.  I think that you will find many questions from patients that evaluate their outcomes very early in the post operative period.  Sometimes changes continue occur for several weeks so you have to get accustomed to the fact that it is a PROCESS not a one time event 
Here are a few things to consider. 
Healing is a process not an event  Allow at least 6 months before a final decision is made regarding implant position You may feel pulling from sutures that are placed under the skin. Stay in touch with your surgeon 
I have provided a link that may be helpful with the right breast descending under gradual pressure.  Please review this with your Plastic Surgeon.
 
I hope this helps 
Dr. Dillon 

Hi Thanks for your question.It is possible you may be developing CC but more likely that the implant hasn't dropped. AN in-person exam by your PS will help determine what is responsible for the tender area - if not an ultrasound may be diagnostic.I would recommend continued massage of both breasts especially the left and possibly use of a band on the left. Otherwise pls continue to follow your PS instructions. I hope this helps.....

You are still early in recovery and I would not consider any type of surgical revision until you are 6 months postop.  It is unusual for capsular contracture to occur so early after breast augmentation.  The issue may be that the pocket is simply too small and a simple pocket release may be all that you need.  Continue to follow with your surgeon.