Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

Question

I had a 415cc dual plane breast augmentation 7 weeks ago. My right has dropped and rounded out but the left is dropping a lot slower, it's still swolen on top and appears smaller. At my 6 week post op, my PS said his guess is that my left chest muscle is very thick and is holding on to the implant. This is frustrating. What can I do? All he suggested is massage and working out.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I can understand your frustration.  Due to the large size of your implants it is not uncommon for additional time being needed to allow your tissues to stretch and relax so that the lower portion of each breast can round out.  It may take 8-10 weeks but remember that true long-term results may take 6+ months.  If your muscle feels particularly tight a muscle relaxer may be useful. Hang in there!

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Early implant asymmetry can be a very frustrating problem. For the plastic surgeon, a key point is to get the implants to look symmetric (ideally perfect) in the operating room. We know that if it looked like that at surgery, they will likely look like that when all has settled. So what if they don't? I agree with your surgeon that displacing the implant manually or with a breast band can help. It may take several more weeks,but they usually settle well. Keep your surgeon informed and work with them. Try to be patient. The worst thing to do is rush to surgery only to have the implant over corrected in the wrong direction. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear GiveMeDs,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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can't take 4-6 months for the implants to settle and yes, one side can be a bit more stubborn than the other.  Follow your docs instructions.

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry for your frustration. It is not unusual for both implants to be settling a a different rate. It typically takes 3-6 months to realize their final position. I would encourage you to be patient and wait that time to see if they fall evenly. After that point, if if one side has not fallen completely, you plastic surgeon should be able to give you some options to make sure ends up in a symmetrical position to the other side.

Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

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Answer: Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

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Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant issue

Answer: Implant issue

Answer: Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

Answer: Muscle thick and not letting implant drop -- any suggestions?

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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.