Breast implant dropping - How long does it take and can it be quickened?

Question

I'm researching for a breast augmentation and I'm coming across alot of results showing the implants looking square-like and sitting extremely high on the chest. I understand implants need to "drop" but how long does it take? and is there any way to receive breast implants without them looking like ugly square-boulders before they drop? That square shape is really turning me away, Id rather not "wait" for implants to look nice.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Caring313312,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello caring313312 in Bridgewater,
Thank you for your inquiry about your breast implants sitting high and appearing square. It's not unusual for breast implants to sit high on the chest shortly after augmentation surgery, especially when placed under the pectoralis major muscle. This muscle tends to contract in response to the implant, potentially causing the implants to ride higher initially.
The time it takes for implants to "drop" into a more natural position can vary. For some, this process may take a few days, while for others, it could take weeks or even months. It's important to be patient during this period and allow your body the time it needs to adjust.
If you're concerned about the prolonged high placement of your implants or if they maintain a boxy appearance, I recommend discussing this with your surgeon. They might suggest massage techniques or a special band to encourage the implants to settle.
In some cases, implants may not drop as expected, requiring surgical revision. This situation, however, is relatively rare. If you're considering future breast augmentation and are concerned about this issue, placing implants above the muscle could be an alternative. This approach often results in less concern about the implant not dropping and can achieve excellent cleavage and breast shape without the boxy appearance.
Always consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and the best approach for your specific case.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants do not 'drop' so much as the muscle relaxes and the breast gradually stretches to a natural position. This mostly happens at 1-2 months but can take longer. 
As it turns out, I have photos over time from a patient who came to me from New Jersey. She left after five days and then returned at a year because she was so happy and wanted to show me.

Feel free to contact me for more info.

Here's the link:

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

The dropping process depends on how large the implants are and how precisely the pocket is made for them, but typically it is on the order of 1-3 months.  The way to avoid the dropping process almost entirely is to place the implants above the muscle.  When doing this, I place the implants in a subfascial plane, which creates a more natural upper pole and reduces the risk of capsular contracture relative to subglandular (the old style of "above the muscle") implant placement.  There is really no waiting period where your breasts look square!

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

Everyone is different. It really depends on your anatomy and soft tissues. I would recommend bringing this up to your doctor who may advise certain massaging techniques.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Implants drop and fluff about 1% a day. So, at 3 months they are about 80% soft settled, shaped, and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Implants sit high on the chest following surgery. It may take 6 months for the implants to drop and settle
into position. Give your body time to heal and recover. Best wishes!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants take several weeks to months to settle and heal.

During the early period, temporary upper muscle swelling may give a high appearance. Soft tissue swelling after a breast lift with implants can cause some temporary lower fullness.

High square shape should not be the long term result after breast augmentation.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to better discuss their results a as well as your options and expectations.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. A 350 Moderate Plus may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame.  Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no reason why you should not expect good result immediately after augmentation. There is always some swelling in particular in the upper pole of  the breast if implants are placed underneath the muscle but that should settle very fast. A good review of surgeons website should give you some answers about what to expect. Good luck.

Breast implant dropping - How long does it take and can it be quickened?

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