9 months post breast augmentation, concerned about nipple asymmetry - Can drop / fluff happen this late into recovery? (photos)

Question

I got breast surgery 9 months ago and I keep noticing that my right breast looks different. It seems like the nipple is lower than the right side. I can’t seem to understand the drop and fluff hasn’t fully happened on that side yet. Could it take this long to drop?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

The breast implant position will not change appreciably after 9 months postoperatively.  It is difficult to assess your implant position because of the differences in arm positions.  The considerations for implant malposition include: 1) pre-existing asymmetry, 2) implant did not drop, 3) the other side dropped too much, and/or 4) capsular contracture.  I would recommend visiting your plastic surgeon with your concerns.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I would review your preoperative pictures and your situation with your plastic surgeon.  Asymmetry is common prior to surgery however you may have some "failure to drop" or capsular contracture.  I like when implants center on the nipple, however that's not always possible.  Best Wishes!!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Loving579826,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  After 9 months only a surgical revision is going to be able to improve upon your current results in the interest of achieving improved symmetry.  Talk to your surgeon.

Shitel Patel, MD · Answer

Usually at 9 months out the implants are where they are going to be unless your skin quality changes(ie weight loss/gain, pregnancy). Its hard to see the asymmetry with the arms up. I would advise seeing your plastic surgeon and comparing your before and afters to see what can be done to achieve your ideal result!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably have a capsule that is holding up your implant. At 9 months, there is no more dropping and fluffing without help. Please discuss this with your surgeon. External ultrasound treatments could be helpful.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At nine months post op you are basically looking at final results with no major changes expected from this point.  If you have concerns about nipple asymmetry and implant position I encourage you to discuss it with your surgeon as well as options to correct it.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

At 9 months, your implants have fully settled. 
Your photos are suboptimal for evaluation. Dental and side photos with your arms at your sides and preop photos are required to properly evaluate your issues. Either way, it appears you will require a revision procedure 
Best wishes
Dr. Taranow

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, there is apparent asymmetry of implant positions, although your arms are elevated at different "altitudes" and the nipple areolar complexes are masked.
The "drop and fluff" phenomenon occurs within the first 3 months as the healing skin and soft tissues redrape around the implant. At 9 months after surgery, the pockets are well formed and almost completely healed (usually complete at one year).
Implant malposition is not an uncommon complication of breast augmentation. One cannot totally predict how a breast pocket will contract during the healing process. Postoperative breast massage is usually recommended in attempt to prevent capsular shrinkage. 
A pocket adjustment is recommended. 15% of cosmetic surgeries are improved with a secondary touch up procedure.
Revisit your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Freetings, 
9 months after your surgery, you are still aware of implant/breast asymmetry issues. You really should return to your plastic surgeon for a consultation and an examination. Your doctor's medical pre-operative photos might reveal if some of these positional concerns pre-dated your surgery.

An examination can determine if you have capsular contracture as a part of the appearance issues. Treatment options can then be discussed with you. You must weigh the risks of further surgery against potential benefits. The photos seen without an examination, do not provide an answer  for your care.

Best Regards,

9 months post breast augmentation, concerned about nipple asymmetry - Can drop / fluff happen this late into recovery? (photos)

Answers (10)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Breast Augmentation: 44/55 natural looking results - Is this achievable?

Unsightly veins on breast post-augmentation - Is sclerotherapy for the breasts the best option?

If a surgeon doesn't take measurements during the consultation, how do they know which implant size and profile to pick?

Getting low profile implants - how many CCs? (photos)

Periariolar incision after breast augmentation revision is inverting. - What can be causing this?

Would I be considered a candidate for breast implants? 72 lb weight loss, currently and 125 lbs. 5' ft tall.

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS