Breast Implants- 20 Days Post Op and Right Side Swollen and Not Dropping?

Question

I am 20 Days Post Op. I had smooth Saline Moderate Profile Implants placed under the muscle. My right side has been high/swollen since my surgery. It's still sore by my armpit. It feels a little softer but doesn't seem to be dropping. I've gone to my PS every week since my surgery and he said I am just very swollen and it will just take time to drop. My left side dropped during week 1. I had 400 cc on left & 425 on right. Could the implant pocket not be large enough? I just want a 2nd opinion.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

This is very common. "Drop and fluff" can happen faster in one breast than the other, and this is probably what is happening to you. I would keep an eye on it but wait for about three to four months to assess your results. Best of luck.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Your post operative photo is not loading in. In any case, 20 days is very early in the post operative course. Often, implants START to drop at 3 weeks. They will continue to drop into place over time. One side may drop faster than the other. Do keep in touch with your plastic surgeon. He will help you throughout the process..

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

It is important to remember that you had two different operations 3 weeks ago: a right and then a left breast augmentation.

	You will be very aware of differences in the rate of healing on the two sides - this is normal.

	Stay in touch with your surgeon - he or she will guide you through the healing period.

	Good luck!

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Hi Campinggirl.  It is VERY common for one implant to "drop" or "settle" before the other one. This has to do with your body's natural asymmetry, different sizes and strengths of your muscles, etc. You should follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations about wearing a band/strap and/or massaging your implants, and most importantly, try to be patient and allow them to settle on their own.

	I hope that helps and wish you the best.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ~

	Your post-op pictures are not available for assessment.  Given the information provided, I can tell you that you are very early in the healing process.  The implants may drop at different rates, accounting for a perceived asymmetry early post-operatively. The implants will gradually drop over the course of weeks to months. My only advice would be to follow up with your surgeon on a regular schedule to monitor the progress.

	Kindest Regards,

	Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Breast Implants- 20 Days Post Op and Right Side Swollen and Not Dropping?

Answers (7)