4 months post-op. Haven't dropped. I don't know what to do. Is it really worth it to wait for some more months? (Photo)

Hello,I presume your surgeon diagnosed you with capsular contracture, having prescribed Singulair (which does nothing for the problem), and by the asymmetrical appearance of your breasts in the photo. Periareolar incisions put you at the highest risk for this most common complication of breast augmentation. You most certainly can get a revision surgery now, but please find an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. You'll need a total capsulectomy and removal and replacement with smaller, lower profile, moderately cohesive implants, placed through an inframammary incision. Best of luck!

Based upon the information and photographs you have provided I suspect that a future revision could be beneficial. I would not rush into this however. There are some benefits to waiting at least six months before undergoing additional surgery. Even if you eventually do have a revision, if there is further improvement you might require a lesser procedure. 

Good afternoon!I doubt things are going to change very much for the better at this point. You could explant, or you could undergo capsulectomy to remove any scar tissue present, which should also allow your implants to drop and fluff. Another option would be to go down in size a little along with the capsulectomy. Choices choices!

Hi christinaww,

I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 4 months post op.

You will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.

At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.

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. Also, your breasts can drop at different rates.

But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery.

Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery. Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery. 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.   In most cases, it is best to be patient and allow for this process to occur. In your case specifically, I would be concerned about the discomfort you are experiencing with shoulder movement. Given this symptom, I think that revisionary breast surgery (which may involve adjustment of breast implant capsules, possibly re-augmentation with smaller breast implants, or removal of breast implants altogether) should be considered.  In other words, you do not want to end up with chronic shoulder discomfort and/or immobility. Best to address your concerns again with your plastic surgeon; if  necessary seek  second opinion consultations with well experience board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. Best wishes.

Hello and thanks for your questions and photos.  Sorry to hear that you are going through this.  Unfortunately, you have not "Dropped", as your photos show that your pocket was likely not created large enough.  It is very unlikely that your implants will drop much further.  Seek a second opinion if your surgeon is not being responsive or helpful.Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember, American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

as all surgeons should care about their patient's outcomes as they are direct reflections of your surgeon's skill and judgment.  When starting out as you did, its not uncommon to have prolonged excessive upper pole fullness.  But your surgeon should have instructed you on maneuvers to help with getting them to settle more quickly (disclosure - am an a strap user).  In addition, if you have textured implants, there is less chances for manipulation to change their positions so I'm hoping they are smooth implants.  Let our surgeon do the worrying part... and if nothing is changing with time, time to get acquainted with the revision policy.