Does this asymmetry look typical for 3 weeks post mastopexy augmentation? (Photos)

Great question!  Being only 3 weeks out is very early to tell what the final outcome will be.  Sometimes one breast can be more swollen and take longer to heal than the other and soften at different times.  Do realize that breasts are more like "sister" than "twins", there will always be a small size and shape difference.  I would continue to wait as nothing can be done at this time anyways.  It will take at least 3-4 months before they begin to even out.
Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear LVM9, Thank you for your photos and questions. I can appreciate the difference in volume and position in one breast versus the other. However, you are very early in your postop course. Most of the swelling will dissipate in the first 3 months and the rest can take up to one year. It is also very normal for one breast to have more swelling that the other or one implant to take a little longer to settle. I would continue to see your plastic surgeon in postoperative visits and explain your concerns. Good luck, Dr. Suzette Miranda Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

Dear LVM9,You are still early in the healing process and may still have some swelling. Contrary to popular belief, the swelling can be asymmetrical. By 6 weeks after surgery you should be settled out an have a clear idea of volume. Just give it more time and follow-up with your surgeon.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeon

Dear LVM9,
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 very early stages of the healing process.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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question LVM9!
It is very normal for one breast to recover a little faster than the other and at just 3 weeks post op you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.  Swelling can take at least 3 months to settle down and for your breasts to settle into their final position, therefore it is important for you to allow your body time to recover and heal.  Always keep open communication and discuss any of your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon though. If you are still concerned after 3 months with any asymmetry definitely do not hesitate to discuss this further with them. All the best!
Thanks again! :)

Yes, you look really fine.Please note, as evident on your before pictures, one of your breast is fuller by nature on the upper pole than the other, then of course this kind of asymmetry of course is going to be present after surgery. But that is the normal, symmetry doesn't exist on the human body

At only three weeks post-operative it is still too early to determine your final results and this level of asymmetry at this stage is perfectly normal and will go away in time. Note that the healing process of breast augmentation is asymmetric. That means it is possible that one breast may look more swollen, have more bruising, or appear higher than the other.
Starting one week after surgery, I direct my patients to perform breast massages as directed, two times a day. Breast massaging may prevent scar formation, assists the skin in accommodating the implant and helps you get used to the feel of your new breasts.
I hope that answers your question on when implants will drop. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. 
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Congratulations on your recent surgery. The photos you provided
appear to demonstrate a degree of asymmetry. The process of breast healing after augmentation involves
remodeling of the soft tissues as the "drop and fluff" phenomenon
occurs over a period of 3 months or so. One breast may fall into position
faster than the other. In addition you will still be experiencing significant
swelling which may be the cause of early asymmetry. 60-80% will resolve at
the 6th week with the remainder slowly abating over 6-12 months. It is still
too early to assess the operative result.
I recommend that you continue followup with your surgeon,
allowing more time to heal (usually 6 months).  If required, a minor
revision will correct the problem.
Best
wishes...
 

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have swelling. Breasts may not heal at the same rate, causing one breast to appear different than the other. It can take up to 12 weeks for the implants to settle and you to see the final result. You are still early in the healing process, follow your surgeon's post op instructions and be patient. Call your surgeon's office to address your concern if you are worried about waiting until your next appointment. Good luck!

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

It is crucial to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is important for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind