Do you have to wait 6 months for breast surgery revision? Is this normal? 3 month post-op. (photo)

Hi JRabbit100,

I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast lift surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 3 weeks post op.

Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.

At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the operated area are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides, you will be able to see the final result of your breast lift surgery.

But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery.

Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear JRabbit100,

Thank you for your question. Your plastic surgeon is correct, it can take time for the implants to settle and take shape. It would be best for you to wait at least 6 months to a year before getting a revision. Not only will the implants themselves settle, but the scars need to settle as well due to the fact that they are so new. It is important to be patient with the recovery process. Best of luck to you!

Revisionary surgery should be delayed for at least 3-6 months post op. This allows for adequate healing and settling. Results will change with time and often time patient concerns will resolve. However, if they haven't allowing for adequate time to settle will provide good a foundation of tissue for revision.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

It would be best for you to wait because at that point the scar tissue around the implants is mature enough to hold sutures to better shape the breast pockets. You have significant asymmetry - sometimes this is a baseline issue and may need to be further refined. Consider your options with the revision surgery. You may want to seek a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.Best of luck!

I think it is really important to wait for at least 6 months and assess change then.Ideally no further surgery will be required but we always have to receive judgement - patience is key though to making the right decisions and if you try to operate again too early then paradoxically further problems can be created. It is difficult to see from your photos but did you have a periareolar procedure too and did you have asymmetry pre-operative and similar height nipples?Good luck!

I think is is a good idea to wait the full 6 months. You will likely undergo more changes that are good and changes the revision over months 3-6. It is even possible that you may not need the revision at all, though I admit that chance is fairly small at this point. Good luck.

Yes, 6 months is necessary to wait before before revision surgery. Revision surgery will change if done prematurely. At 3 months you are about 75 percent settled, shaped, softened, dropped and fluffed. You will be close to 90 percent at 6 months.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author 

Yes, you are clearly asymmetrical at 3 months and it is likely that a revision will be required.  Your surgeon knows you & your procedure/s best, thus you should take their advice.  All the best

While it looks like you will require a revision, waiting six months will at least let things settle down a bit more.

Dear JRabbit,Thanks for the question and photo.  It would be great to have seen your before photos as well to evaluate exactly what is going on.I agree with your surgeon's advice to wait for 6 months post op.  The breasts continue to settle and change and the capsule around the implant gets thicker/stronger which aids in repair (if necessary).Best of luck with your recovery.Dr T