Right implant hasn't dropped as much as left at 11 weeks post op, is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hi I am a little worried as my breasts look quite different to me, it looks like the left one is bigger and a bit lower, I had my op 11 weeks and 2 days ago is this normal for them to look like this? Do I need surgery to correct this?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo.  It would have helped to have an idea of what you looked like pre-op to see if you had this asymmetry prior to your breast augmentation.  Regardless, you should still continue to follow the advice of your operating surgeon as you move forward.  There is still a chance that your breast implant will drop into place.  Give yourself a few more months before considering a revision.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Most of the time implants have settled and softened by 12 weeks.  However, some patients and their bodies require more time.  Don't worry, but discuss this with your PS.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I would suggest to you that I do see the difference between the breasts in the pictures that you provided. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of you before the surgery to assess the amount of asymmetry in your breasts.(All breasts have asymmetry). Furthermore, at 11 weeks, you still have an opportunity for the implant to settle into a different position, and I recommend that you work with your surgeon to see how likely that will be for you. Sometimes, it is a matter of continued massage exercises, rather than rushing back to anything surgical. Don't hesitate to give it more time. I wish you all the best.

Levi J. Young, MD · Answer

It does appear that one implant is higher than the other.  But even at 11 weeks the implants will relax more into the pocket.  You should talk to your surgeon about your concerns.  You may need additional massage or simply time to allow things to even up.  Your surgeon can best advise you on how to proceed.  Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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. Based on the single photograph, I frankly do not appreciate significant breast asymmetry.

Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery and massaging the implants 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, and size of breast implant utilized. 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.

Sometimes, one or both breasts implants do not settle as planned and revisionary breast surgery becomes necessary to improve the outcome. On other occasions, if the long-term breast asymmetry is mild ( understanding that absolute symmetry is very rarely achieved), patients will need to decide whether proceeding with revisionary breast surgery is worth the potential downsides associated with additional surgery.

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

Right implant hasn't dropped as much as left at 11 weeks post op, is this normal? (photos)

Answers (5)

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