Breasts still high and tight 4 weeks post op. Is this normal?

Being patient is easier said than done, but
you should remember that the final results from breast augmentation can take up
to 6 months to develop. During this time a number of processes will take place:
swelling will dissipate, the implants will settle into the breast pocket, and
the skin will stretch to accommodate the implants. As with any procedure,
strict adherence to your surgeon’s post op instructions is key. If your surgeon
prescribed any massage exercises, be sure to do them regularly to help prevent
the development of scar tissue and help the implants settle into a more natural
position.

The final results are mostly present including "dropping of the implant" when implants are below the muscle within the first 3 months for most and certainly by a year. Breast implants initially after surgery when placed in a submuscular position often give superior fullness that corrects itself with time, the "fluff and drop" phenomena. In reality the pectoralis major muscle takes a while to adjust its size to accommodate the implant as well as occasional muscle spasm which keeps the implant projection higher than its final resting shape. As the muscle relaxes the projection of the implant often increases and the breast shape improves. Massage and use of a superior placed elastic strap can often make this process go faster.

It is not abnormal to be high and tight at 4 weeks.   Depending on your anatomy,  the size of the implants and placement it can takeseveral months for them to look less "balloonish" and more natural.

I appreciate your question.



Right now, you are very early on in the
post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable
having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you
to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image. There are many
variables that contribute to a breast augmentation's final result. Preop size
and shape, IMF location, location of the implants and type of implant. Patients
heal at different rates and each breast will sometimes heal at a different
rate. Rest, relax, recover and heal. Please Express your concerns to your surgeon so
he/she can examine you. Then reassess final result at 6 months.



The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.



Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Due to swelling the volume of the breast implant may be artificially supported for weeks after a breast augmentation. Remain patient.

It’s common for implants to look like they were placed too high on
your chest this soon after breast augmentation surgery. Your implants will
gradually drop into their final position as swelling subsides and the
surrounding breast tissue heals and adjusts to the implants. It can take up to
6 months for implants to completely settle, so you likely won’t see the full
results of your breast augmentation until then.

You are still the early stages of your post operative recovery and you will find that over the coming months your breasts will continue to soften and settle.  Be patient.  It takes around three months or so before you begin to get an idea of your final result.

 Thank you for your question. 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 and 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. 

Again, best to follow your plastic surgeon for more specifics. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

You are still pretty early; I tell my patient to expect the implants to 'ride high' for about 6-8 weeks, but it can take longer - especially in larger augmentations or in patients with tight/elastic skin. I hope this helps - hang in there!

This is very normal, especially if you had dense breast tissue before.It will take a couple of months before you see the final results.Be patient.