Will my implants appear fuller and rounder once they drop and fluff? (Photos)

Question

I'm 12 days post op. Feeling like I should have went bigger with my implant size . I was a 32b/34a before surgery . I have a 445 cc saline implant in my left breast under the muscle and 400 in my rights. I feel like I should have went bigger , will they look fuller and more rounded once they are in the pocket ?

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breast appearance at just 12 days after your operation is completely expected and is very commonly seen.It takes weeks, and often months, before you'll see your final breast appearance after breast augmentation. It takes awhile for the breast implants to settle into place as they stretch out the lower pole (bottom half) breast skin.Once this happens, more of the implant will appear to be where it should be: behind your nipple and in the lower pole of your breast.Currently, your breast shape appears odd because the implant is being squeezed by your chest muscles and breast skin into a very high position.Rest assured that this is only temporary, and with time you'll likely look and feel great!Thanks for sharing!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you are experiencing after breast surgery. Given that you are very fresh out of surgery, it is quite likely that you are experiencing significant “emotional ups and downs” unnecessarily. You should be aware that a significant percentage of patients at your stage of recovery will feel that they are too big or (more commonly) too small. I routinely ask my patients to wait at least 3-6 months before evaluating the end results of the breast augmentation surgery. This waiting time allows patients to (usually) physically and psychologically adapt to the new body image. 
In other words, it is much too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed; your breasts will undoubtedly change over the course of the next several weeks/months.   The vast majority of patients with your concerns at your stage in the recovery process, turn out to be much happier two to three months after the procedure was performed.
For example, many of my patients report that as the swelling around the breast implants (for example, in the sternal area) decreases, they feel that their breasts appear more projecting. Also, in my opinion, the "drop and fluff” phenomenon does hold some validity; as breast implants “settle”, many patients feel that their breasts actually look larger. 
Although online consultants cannot predict whether or not you will be pleased with the long-term outlook, of the procedure performed, it is safe to predict that the breasts will change. Do your best to stay emotionally even keeled. I would suggest continued patience and continued close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with longer-term.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your questions and your photos. You are still very early following her procedure to judge the final shape and size. As a general rule the implants will soften and obtain a more natural result as the months  go by. Based upon your photos it looks like the implant skin envelope may be extremely tight so going larger at this stage may not have been an option for your treating surgeon. I would discuss all of this at your next postoperative visit. Best of luck with your continue recovery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The implants may take a while to relax in the pocket.  You need to give it time for them to settle to see if the volume is what you desired.  Give it 4-6 months.

Will my implants appear fuller and rounder once they drop and fluff? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast size

Answer: Breast size

Answer: Augmentation

Answer: Augmentation

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Will my implants appear fuller and rounder once they drop and fluff? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast size

Answer: Breast size

Answer: Augmentation

Answer: Augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.