Will my implants drop further after 3 months? I'm so unhappy with my results. (Photos)

Question

I am now exactly 3 months post surgery and my Lowe poles are quite simply empty. Making the skin sag and nipple very low. Upper poles are full and firm giving a cry unusual shape. I keep reading that my implants will drop and fluff but why is the bottom of my Breasts so empty? Will they drop any more? I went to Brussels for surgery from the UK so have not had a check up and it's not easy to pop back and cover off questions.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would advise speaking to your board certified plastic surgeon about the concerns you are having during your healing process.It usually takes up to 6 months for breasts implants to settle. Make sure you do any implant massages if you were instructed.

Navid Jallali, MB ChB (Hons), MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. Looking at your result and post op outcome I think that your implants are dual plane or sub muscular. In this position implants need encouragement to 'drop' and I would advice you to massage them regularly. I have not seen your pre op photos and it may be that the implants are in the correct position but the breast tissue has 'fallen off'. In that scenario you will need an uplift. I would wait till 6 months post op and then see a Plastic surgeon in the UK for advice and assessment. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear emmajaynedale,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.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Emma.   I appreciate your concern, but it still too early to panic. Your photos demonstrate a very reasonable postoperative result after three months. It can take as long as 6 to 9 months for the skin and muscle to relax and allow the implants to settle in and “fluff.”  Try to stay patient and positive, and I am certain that your result will continue to improve.  Check in with your plastic surgeon when possible.  Best of luck!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  At 3 months, your breasts should have already done a considerable amount of settling; however, they will still change.  I agree that getting into the right massage regimen now could still help them "drop and fluff".  I would suggest reaching out to your plastic surgeon.  Although you can't see him, perhaps he can provide information over the phone.  Good luck!

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

It is possible that, with massage, there may be some improvement over the next few weeks but it depends on the type of implant that have been used as to whether this is likely to work. I would suggest you communicate with your surgeon. If you're not able to go back to Brussels you should probably email them with photos and ask for advice. If things don't settle in the next months, the chances are you will need revision surgery to reposition your implants lower down and you should discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible.

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting photos. 
I advise my patients it may take 6 months for implants to fully drop and settle. Sometimes this can take even longer if textured implants are used. Occasionally doing massage or using a band over the upper poles can help them settle out more quickly but this is not often necessary as the implants should settle out over time. 
Without seeing pre-operative photos it is difficult to say what the expected course will be. If the implants do not end up settling enough to your satisfaction the treatment may be a small breast lift to get the nipples to sit in a more satisfactory position. However waiting a full 6 months at least and then re-visiting with your surgeon may be a wise first step.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I usually find the result quite stable at three months. You may see a little bit more movement. You should see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation and to get some idea of what to expect as far as further settling.Perhaps sending good photographs to your plastic surgeon may allow for at least a general examination and can get you some more information.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely your breast implants will continue to settle for the next several months.  Depending on the type of breast implants, massage may be indicated.  I would express your concerns with your surgeon.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

assuming that your implants are placed in a submuscular plane (under the muscle) they have settled in a higher position. that explains the empty lower pole. unfortunately that may happen. you should see a surgeon for an opinion and a physical examination and also discuss your options going forward