Will my breast implants look smaller after they settle? (photo)

Question

Silicone, 400cc, under the muscle. Unfortunately, I feel they are way bigger than the size I wanted. I'm actually starting to feel really depressed and unhappy. I've includedp a picture which is 2 weeks post op. My question for you is, do they still look really swollen, is that why they look huge? When they settle more within the next 4 weeks, will they not look so big?? Also, when will my nipples not look so puffy and be able to get hard again?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and
photographs, and it appears that you will have a very nice result.  After
placement of implants, the overall appearance of the breasts will change
dramatically over the next several months, as the implants drop, and the
overlying tissue stretches to accommodate the extra volume.  In your case the swelling of your breast skin and chest muscle is flattening your implant and maintaining it in a higher position.  As this swelling resolves, your implants will drop and the redistribution of volume will round out the lower portion of each breast to leave you a more natural appearance.  I know waiting
is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of
your breast changes should have occurred by then.  Hope this helps.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

At this point you are
early in the healing process. Your implants will continue to settle and soften
with time. Follow up with your surgeon as directed. 
Regards,

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Most women need at least three months for everything to stop changing post breast augmentation.  It takes awhile for the tissues to relax, swelling to go down, and implants to settle. Just be patient with the process.  It is not uncommon for some women to feel very large at first, but once everything settles, almost all women are happy with the end result.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. At two weeks post op it is quite normal for the breasts to appear larger, swollen and quite high still. As your tissues soften the implants can be expected to drop down a bit which will minimize the upper pole volume and expand the lower pole. The Drop and Fluff process takes between 2-6 months.I recommend that you share your concerns with your Plastic Surgeon so that they can advise you about what to expect as you heal.All the best

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after your procedure.
You should be aware that a significant percentage of patients at your stage of recovery will feel that they are too big or (more commonly) too small. I routinely ask my patients to wait at least 3-6 months before evaluating the end results of the breast augmentation surgery. This waiting time allows patients to (usually) physically and psychologically adapt to the new body image. From the physiological standpoint, it takes many months ( and even up to one year) to see the final results of surgery. factors such as swelling, tissue contraction, skin redraping, implant shifting etc. come into play. You may be pleasantly surprised wants to be "drop and fluff" phenomenon has occurred.From the psychological standpoint, patients undergo an “adaptation period" during which time they get used to the changes that the surgical procedure has brought about. Severe emotional swings can also occur after any type of surgical procedure.
In your case, I would suggest continued patience and continued close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes.

Will my breast implants look smaller after they settle? (photo)

Answers (5)