My left implant is sitting much higher than the right one. Is this normal?

Question

From the first day I came out of surgery my left boob is so much higher and to the side rather than my right side.. I'm really concerned I feel so deformed.. is this normal and what should I do to help the implant go down? I also want to add that the left breast is also bruised on the bottom... Help... PS did mention I have scoliosis where the right side of my chest pops out more than my left.. you would think I'd have the opposite problem. ..

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.  During the post-operative period the breast are swollen, and the breast implants appear in a much higher position.  Over time they descend and fills out the lower half of the breast. In addition, it is not uncommon for one breast to be more swollen than the other and may even out with time (unless they were asymmetric in size to begin with).  It may take several months for this to happen and can be encouraged with breast massage and compression.  It may appear that the breast enlarges as the lower aspect of the breast fills out (at the expense of the upper portion of the breast).

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Yes, I think all would agree that the left implant is riding a bit high.  Implants will settle and it is not uncommon for one side to settle more quickly than the other.  There can be reasons for one side to be fuller--for example a hematoma after surgery.  An examination by your surgeon is necessary to rule this one out.  Assuming this is not the case, more time to let the implants settle will be necessary.  There are straps that can be used to help encourage the implant to settle quicker.  This is something that your surgeon will provide for you.  Best of luck.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I agree that the left implant is much too high. But there is still a lot of time before you have to be worried. Check in with your surgeon about different exercies you can do to help bring it down. Also sometimes wearing a strap bandeau can help. You need to give it a good three months. Be patient.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Have an obvious issue. The weight of the implant should allow the muscles relax and the implant to settle. I would not be too hasty and still wait three months. My gut tells me that you're probably going to need a revision in three months. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

It is normal to have some bruising after surgery, but if you have having a lot of bruising and pain on the one side, you should return to your surgeon at once, especially if it seems to have worsened with time.  They can further discuss with you the concerns about where the implant is.  You do not state how many days it is since surgery, so it is hard to tell you much more. It is normal to have a very large amount of swelling the first week, where it seems the implant sits under the collarbone.  This is typically swelling and will improve significantly over the first 1-2 weeks.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

I agree that the degree of asymmetry is worrisome.  There seems to be some implant malposition. Another thing that worries me is the amount of bruising, combined with the high implant. You need to be sure that there is not a hematoma (bleeding) that is filling the pocket and pushing the implant higher. See your surgeon!

Karl Schwarz, MD · Answer

EvelynBeba,It is common for breast implants to undergo a "settling" period.  Right after a breast augmentation (with or without a "lift"), implants usually start off sitting high up on the chest, and drop to their final resting place over the course of 2-3 months.  Sometimes both implants drop at the same time/rate, but often one drops before/faster than the other.  Usually, the end result is a symmetric result.  Less commonly, one implant (or both) can remain too high.  A touch-up is warranted in those cases.  
In your case, the difference in implant height is quite pronounced.  I would have your surgeon rule out a hematoma (given the bruising on that side as well).  If there is no hematoma, then patience on your part is the key, as the implants will find their place over the next 2-3 months.  Some surgeons will prescribe elastic "straps" to help bring the implants down but I don't believe they are very effective.  I recommend you speak with your surgeon.  I am sure they will put your mind at ease!

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Is too early for both of the implants to get down to their places and making their natural  "folding". You will be still swollen for about 4 month more.Any way, I do really find it to high. But your surgeon should give you instructions  as the using of a strap or band to push it down, and many others steps that should be taken to give the implant the chance to get to its place. If necessary a revision surgery could be schedule.Keep in touch with your surgeon and follow his advise.And remember  Breasts  not recuperate even.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of the time, breast implants will "ride high" early after operations.  It usually takes about 3 months until they are in their final position.  It's possible that the final position of the implants under the muscle below the breast tissue may be too high or too low, but with rare exceptions, it's too hasty to re-operate on a patient very early after implant surgery because one or both implants are high.  Patients often describe this process as "dropping and fluffing," as the implants settle into position and the breast becomes softer.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

You seem to be one week out of surgery, assuming these photos are recent. It would be helpful to know if the breasts looked even in the operating room, and if you are right or left handed. I would assume that your surgeon would not close the incisions with this much difference between the sides. Often, under anesthesia, while the patient is relaxed, the implants appear quite even. Then, when the anesthesia wears off, the muscles compress the implants, distorting the shapes, often moreso on the "handed" side, and it may take up to 3 months, occasionally longer for the muscles to relax to accommodate the implants.  Displacement exercises and pectoral straps can help. Occasionally a collection of blood or serum can causes one side to be larger. An exam by your surgeon is in order to provide reassurance. Thanks for your question, all the best.

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