Do breast implants drop and fluff at separate times but still end up "matching" at the end result? 13 days po (photos)

Question

I am currently 13 days PO 400cc in both- Mentor Silicone Gel Smooth Round High Profile (32A prior to surgery). I was looking at them tonight and noticed that my left breast is lower and more full where the right is still "oval" and higher. Is it normal for them to drop at different rates causing a temporary misshapen look, or is this an early detection of a problem? 1st Pic is 4 Days PO (for measure). The other two pics are from tonight 13 days PO.

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

you are early in your post operative period. It takes 4-6 months for the implants to settle and even out. It is not uncommon for one side to heal faster than the other.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Yes, it is possible for implants to drop differently. At 13 days you are only about 10 percent dropped, softened, and shaped. "Drop and fluff" refers to the fact that as the skin stretches and the muscles relax, the implants move down and out slowly – about 1 percent a day. It’ll be about six weeks before they even begin to settle down, but they’ll be close to 80 percent settled at three months. Watching their progress is like watching your hair grow. You don’t see a difference in your hair growth daily, but all of a sudden you need a haircut. 
Be patient after surgery. Give yourself a few months before making a judgment about your surgical results. You won't know the outcome until then.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgeons have their own protocol regarding post-operative management and instructions. In my own patients, if I see slightly high riding implants early on, I recommend the use of an upper elastic bandeau for a week or two. We also recommend a specific massage protocol starting at seven to ten days post-operatively. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is not unusual at this point to have some asymmetry and both breasts will settle at different times. It can take 3-6 months for the final results to become apparent.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes.  It takes weeks to months for the implants to completely settle after surgery. Details of the surgery and placement of the implants is also an important detail to consider in thoroughly answering your question.  Have you seen your surgeon post operatively?  Physical exam is important to make sure the implants are soft and no signs of early contracture.  Best of luck to you.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
Thanks for your question.13 days is still quite early and the augmented breasts typically do drop at different rates. Massaging and support bra use are usually advised but pls talk to your PS and he or she can instruct you appropriately and inform you as to what to expect going forward.I hope this helps....

Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are early in the healing period. Typically, it takes 3-6 months for swelling to resolve and the implants to take a more relaxed position after breast augmentation. It is not unusual for one to be a little different from the other during this healing process. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon so that he/she can advise you of the expected recovery and possibly suggest exercises to massage your implants. Best of luck during your recovery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, advice, predictions, and/or meaningful reassurance.
Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery and massaging the implants downward may assist in the dropping of the implants after surgery (for those patients who want to help with the settling of the implants).  The rate of breast implant "settling" may depend on factors such as size of breast implant pocket dissected, tightness of the overlying skin/muscle layers, size of breast implant utilized, and concerns such as pre-existing breast asymmetry. Normally, it takes about 3-6 months (for some patients longer) to see the final result. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.
Sometimes, one or both breasts implants do not settle as planned and revisionary breast surgery becomes necessary to improve the outcome. On other occasions, if the long-term breast asymmetry is mild ( understanding that absolute symmetry is very rarely achieved), patients will need to decide whether proceeding with revisionary breast surgery is worth the potential downsides associated with additional surgery.
Again, best to follow your plastic surgeon for more specifics. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Do breast implants drop and fluff at separate times but still end up "matching" at the end result? 13 days po (photos)

Answers (8)

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