Is a revision in my future? Can this correct itself? 425cc silicon, under the muscle. 3 weeks post op today. (photo)

Question

During consultation, PS assured me a lift was certaintly not needed, although I was a borderline candidate. 1 week post op PS assured all was well; next FU is at 6 weeks. I believe this is the waterfall, or snoopy deformity. Should I contact my PS sooner than my 6 week visit about concerns? From the pictures I've provided, will I need a revision or is it possible for this to correct itself? Thank you for any answers.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

It will take 3 to 6 months for your breast implants to settle and achieve their final shape. I would not recommend doing anything surgically until then, though it appears that a lift with implants may have been a better option initially. At this point, you should allow the implants to settle then re-evaluate.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. After placement of implants, the 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.  As this swelling resolves, the volume within the implant will redistribute towards the lower portion of your breast achieving a more natural appearance. Without "before" photographs it is difficult to know if you needed a breast lift at the time of implant placement, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of your breast changes should have occurred by then. Hope this helps.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are in early stage of healing. Your breasts continue to change in the next several weeks. Right now implants are sitting high. Please talk to your PS about using breast band and implant displacement excerises and re evaluate in 3 months.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like your breasts are falling off your implants. While it is too early and the implants may settle a bit, you may need a lift as well.

Charles R. Nathan, MD, FACS · Answer

It may take some time for the implant to drop and fill out the breast envelope properly.  I believe it way too early in the recovery process to judge if you will need additional  surgery.  Some surgeons will use a strap or implant downward displacement exercises to try to hasten the process.  Keep your follow ups with your surgeon to discuss progress.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally speaking, especially early in the post-operative phase of healing, it is not uncommon to have one or both implants appear to be high up by the clavicle. Although the “pocket” may be made correctly, the implant may not have access to the bottom for several reasons. If the overlying muscle or skin is tight, this will move the implant to the path of least resistance which is up and towards the underarm where there is little or no pressure. As the pressure relaxes, the implant will drop down to the bottom. Smooth implants, because their surface is slippery, may move faster downward than a textured implant with its rough surface. Because these variables mentioned above can be different for each side, it's not uncommon that one side will drop faster to the bottom of the pocket than the other. Similarly, sometimes one breast will swell more than the other or be more painful than the other early in the postoperative phase. After the first month or two, usually things will even out. It wouldn't be, in my practice, until four months or so has passed that I would entertain going back to the operating room to “touch up” the location of the breast implant in the pocket. Sometimes specialized bras or straps as well as massage and stretching protocols may be helpful in allowing this process to happen more quickly. Each plastic surgeon will have different thoughts on what the best protocol is for the patient. Your operating plastic surgeon will be your best resource to have this information passed on to you. I recommend that you faithfully follow up and follow the instructions of your chosen plastic surgeon. Congratulations on your surgery, and good luck on an uneventful recovery.

Is a revision in my future? Can this correct itself? 425cc silicon, under the muscle. 3 weeks post op today. (photo)

Answers (6)

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