Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Question

I'm five weeks post op and my left breast is dropping faster than the other. I figured my right would drop faster because it is my dominant arm. Is this happening because of muscle? Should I be working my left arm more to keep muscle balance.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Certainly! Sometime the dominant side has more muscle bulk and tone, and this implant drops more slowly. Sometimes the dominant hand side has slightly more bleeding/bruising (because this side has more activity/movement) and develops a slightly thicker, less compliant or soft capsule, and it drops more slowly (or not as far).Sometimes the dominant side implant drops because the muscle stretches and heals faster because it is used slightly more, as you suggested.The answer is yes, all of these things occur in different patients, and each one is different, as is their reason for their specific occurrence. It's not about "working" the other side, but your surgeon may suggest an elastic bandeau above the high breast and below the "low" breast. This may help even things out. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

This is very common, do not worry.  In my experience it is almost always the dominant side that takes longer to loosen and drop. Massage helps some, but it really just takes time.  Give it 3-4 months. Good luck, Jane

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Right now, you are 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. 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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not unusual one side implant drops faster than others. Give it some time  and re evaluate. Please talk to your PS for evaluation for nothing unusual

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, this is very common if not always the case. Generally someone who is right handed will have the left side drop faster and visa versa. Everything should pretty much even out in the end, but keep in mind that you may continue to see slight breast changes throughout a year of recovery.

Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Answer: Is it common for one breast to drop faster than the other?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.