4 weeks post op, breasts still very high and tight, is this normal? (photo)

At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome.  It takes time for the implants to settle into position and the skin and muscle to stretch out to accommodate the new implant.  It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look.  Be patient.

thank you for your question.You are still early in the healing process. It can take between 3 and 6 months for the breasts to soften and settle into position. Contact your surgeon with any concerns you may have. Best wishes.

It takes time for smooth implants to settle. If they are textured they may not move. Smooth implants especially saline settle and are amenable to superior pole massage to help lower them. A superior breast band can be helpful. See your plastic surgeon for his advice. Good luck..

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.



ASSYMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff.



SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can take up to a year to see your final result.

Thank you for your question and photographs.  In a word, yes your current appearance is very normal.  After placement of implants, the overall appearance of the breasts will change dramatically over the next several months, as the implants drop, and the overlying tissue stretches to accommodate the extra volume. In your case the swelling from surgery is flattening your implants and holding them high on your chest.  Though they will not get bigger, the volume within the implant will redistribute towards the lower portion of your breast achieving a more natural appearance, and filling your bra cup more.   I know waiting is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of your breast changes should have occurred by then. Hope this helps.

Hi there, thank you for your question. At 4 weeks you are still early in the healing process. Allow your body 3-6 months for the implants to settle. It is normal for implants to sit high at 4 weeks. Best, 

I appreciate your question.





Right now, you are very 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. Please Express your concerns to your surgeon so he/she can examine you at this time. 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

Hello,Yes, it is normal for the breast to appear high and feel tight/firm still at 4 weeks post op. The drop & fluff process will take between 2-6 months and they should start to look and feel a little more natural in another month or two. Let your Plastic Surgeon know if you have ongoing concerns.All the best

AspenRuddick:  Yes, your implants are a bit high and yes, I would expect them to drop more.  Four weeks is not enough time for your tissues to relax and the implants to settle into their natural position.  They do appear rather tight on you which will increase even further the amount of time necessary for this to occur but it could take months.  At this point I would recommend just trying to be patient.  They will improve much more with time!Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

It can take several months for the breasts to settle down. Best to give it about 4  months or so. Good luck.