What techniques do you give to your patients to encourage dropping and healing of the implant?

Question

Can I speed up the “Drop and Fluff” process? I’m a week past surgery and my implants are painful! I have 375cc HP implants and am currently wearing a sports bra (with underwire at my surgeons request). They are so high and tight and everything feels really painful. I’m wondering if there’s any stretches, massage, or other techniques you give to your patients to encourage dropping and healing of the implant. Also, will my side profile go down? I’m scared it’s too big, they look fake, a lot like my “don’t want” photos

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

At one week you are about 5 percent settled, softened, shaped, dropped and fluffed. "Drop and fluff" refers to the fact that as the skin stretches and the muscles relax, the implants move down and out slowly – about 1 percent a day. It’ll be about six weeks before they even begin to settle down, but they’ll be close to 80 percent settled and softened at three months. Watching their progress is like watching your hair grow. You don’t see a difference in your hair growth daily, but all of a sudden you need a haircut. 
Be patient after surgery. Give yourself a few months before making a judgment about your surgical results. You won't know the outcome until then. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and congratulations on your operation! You are still in the very early post-operative timeframe. It can take up to 6 months for implants and breast tissue to settle after augmentation mammoplasty. There are no data driven interventions (massage, stretches, etc.)that accelerate the settling process; just time and patience. I recommend that you hold off on any final judgments on appearance until you are at least 6 months out form your surgery. In the meantime, continue to meet with your surgeon as scheduled and follow all post-operative instruction. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The breast implants will drop with the passage of time, but massage and strap or bandeau can help with the progress.  It takes usually 2 weeks to 3 months for the drop to occur.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MBA1111,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 very early stages of the healing process at 1 week  post op.Your 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.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. 
Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.). 
Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
  
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship.
  
We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
  
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.
  
We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly.  Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
  
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience)
  
- Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

What techniques do you give to your patients to encourage dropping and healing of the implant?

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant dropping

Answer: Implant dropping

Answer: Aftercare

Answer: Aftercare

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

What techniques do you give to your patients to encourage dropping and healing of the implant?

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant dropping

Answer: Implant dropping

Answer: Aftercare

Answer: Aftercare

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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