3 weeks post-op for a breast augmentation, will my breasts soften? (Photo)

Your muscle relaxes off of the implant about 1% a day, which gives the implant more room to move in the submuscular space. This is what makes the breast feel softer. So at three months, the breast softness is not 90% but more like 80%. Then the softening process slows down, and the last 20% is achieved by 9 to 12 months. At three weeks you are about 15% soft and shaped. I hope this information is helpful and reassuring.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

At 3 weeks post-op, your body is still adjusting to your new breast implants. Typically, it takes 3 to 6 months for breast implants to soften and settle. During those early weeks, your muscles and tissues are stretching to accommodate the implants and there may be some inflammation or swelling still. Massaging recommendations can differ between plastic surgeons and may depend on the type of implant you have. To decide if massaging is right for you, talk with your plastic surgeon and ask his opinion.

Hello,Thank you for your question. Breast firmness at 3 weeks is quite normal. It will take between 2-6 months for the breasts to fully drop and fluff. They typically feel soft and natural a few months out. Try to hold off evaluating your results until closer to 6 months post op.All the best

As your body heals you will gradually notice the resolution of swelling and the softening of your breast.  You will see the majority of this resolve by 3 months but your breast will continue to soften and change over the first year.  
Discuss your massage question with your plastic surgeon, as different surgeons have different protocols for post operative care.  

Thank you for your question. You are still early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

At 3 weeks postop, your breasts are expectedly swollen and firm. Over the next several weeks and months, they will progressively soften and the final contour take shape. We tell our patients not to expect a final result until 4 to 6 months have transpired.

In general, if the tissue is tight and then is suddenly stretched by an implant, it can take weeks to months for the breasts to soften.  The rate of softening depends upon many things, including the tightness of the tissue, the size of the implant, and your genetics and skin qualities.  So, be patient and discuss potentially massaging with your surgeon who ultimately is the only one who can clear such things. Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

As the swelling resolves, your breasts will soften. I typically advise my patients to wait a good 4-6 months to see their final result to allow all the swelling to resolve and to let the implants drop and settle some. Good luck!

Congratulations with your recent reconstruction. You look to have an early nice result. While the implants themselves will not softened, the inflammation around the implants from surgery will heal over the next 3 to 6 months and the breast will feel much softer. If they continue to feel firm it is important to check in with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you are not developing capsular contraction which is scar tissue that can develop around an implant. 

Swelling and firmness after breast augmentation is common.  It generally begins to resolve after a couple weeks.  Implant massage will quicken the process and I have my patients begin 1-2 weeks after surgery.  You should discuss this with your surgeon.