Why Hasn't my Right Breast Implant Dropped?

Thank you for the photo. You are early in your post operative course. Breast implants tend to start dropping into place after 3 to 4 weeks. They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months. One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through changes. Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please let them know your thoughts and concerns.

When implants are first inserted, they sit high up because your tissues are tight and gravity hasn't taken effect. Over time, natural tissue expansion occurs to allow the implants to fall into place. By this time, your breasts will have taken on a more natural contour, where the lower breasts become softer and rounder. Please wait at least four months for this to happen.This process tends to occur sooner in one breast than the other, so don't be alarmed if you find that your left drops before the right or vice versa.

The upper portions of your breasts appear even which indicates, to me that the implants are relatively symmetrical and your findings may be due to uneven breast tissue. However, it is best to discuss this with your surgeon

All implants drop at differnt rates. This certainly can be affected by anatomy, and implant shape and size. Give it some time.

It is extremely important to sit the patient up at the end of a breast Augmentation case and visually ascertain that the implants are symmetrically located. Although inflammation after surgery will temporarily lift implants, the difference should not be marked.

I would advise you to check with your surgeon for his advice. I  routinely ask my patients to go without a bra for 1-2 weeks to use gravity to place the implants where they were at the end of surgery. I also give my patient specific massage instructions starting a week after the operation.

I, personally am not a fan of the implant dropping and like to place the implant in the position it should be in.  Most doctors do believe the implant does drop some over time.  In spite of what I do I occassionally get a patient where one side is higher than the other.  In these cases I will use a compression band above the breast to help the implant down.  If it hasn't dropped by 8 weeks it may be necessary to go in surgically to release the capsule and lower the implant.

Follow your plastic surgeons advice and I am sure all will be fine.  Good luck.

Your photo is pretty dark but implants do settle or drop at different rates sometimes. You should stay in close contact with your plastic surgeon and follow massage instructions if they are having you do this.

Dr Edwards