Do my nipples seem low after surgery? (photo)

Question

I’m 5 days post op and underwent a 350cc gummy bear implant with breast lift. I was really expecting my nipples to be much higher and central on the chest, but they aren’t much higher from where I started from. Will my nipples rise and become more central as my implants drop? Any advice is appreciated!

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

I completely understand your concerns. Based on your photos, your breast implants appear to be sitting relatively high at this time. Once your implants begin to drop into their final position, the appearance of your breasts will change and as the implants drop, your nipples will begin to turn upwards. At 5 days postoperatively, it is not surprisingly that the breasts are still sitting rather high. It can take several weeks to several months for the implants to fully settle. I recommend discussing any concerns with your surgeon as well, he or she is best equipped to answer questions regarding your case. Best of luck!

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Sure, they "seem" low, but your sternal notch to nipple distances will be decreased--nipples higher--after a breast lift. How much lift was achieved is determined by the pattern you and your surgeon agreed upon, as will the resultant incisions, scars, and cost. You did not provide pre-op photos for comparison, and your incisions are taped, making the type and amount of lift indeterminate by these post-op photos.But your nipples are NOT too low, your implants are still too high! Since gravity works on 100% of patients, and implants under the effect of gravity travel in one direction (DOWN), unless you develop capsular contracture, your tissues will heal and stretch, and your implants will drop and settle, as your breasts soften and look more normal. (Nipples cannot "rise," BTW).This takes time, and it's different for each patient, and even for each breast in some cases! Your surgeon may have some advice regarding elastic bandeau use, and when and what type of bra to wear, as you heal and recover.At 5 days post-op, you look pretty normal to me. Thank your surgeon for what appears to be a fabulous job thus far, and follow all the given recommendations to maximize your outcome, which will take weeks to months to occur (and 6-12 months to reach finality in softness, position, and scar fading. Patience, my dear; all seems well. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luminous5715,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process at 5 days  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 implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Steven Sigalove, MD FACS · Answer

You are only 5 days out so things will change over the next several months. That being said, I do not see your incisions from your mastopexy. Based on your photos, your NAC's  (nipple areola complex) are quite low and the diameter of your areolae are quite large (this typically gets reduced during a mastopexy). A mastopexy (either circumareolar vs circumvertical) will place the NAC's t thge appropriate position at the central and high point of your breast. Speak with your plastic surgeon about what was actually done and what expectations will be for the position of your NAC's.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

It would be useful to see your pre-operative photos and have your measurements but on the picture your have shown, it looks like a lift may have been necessary along with your implants.

Donald S. Mowlds, MD · Answer

At only 5 days post surgery, it is common for the implants to appear “high.” With time, the implants will “settle” as the skin beneath the nipples is stretched under the weight of the implant. This typically results in the nipples appearing more “central” on the chest given that the mass of the implant is now more centered beneath the nipples. This settling, however, does not elevate the nipples on the chest wall. To accomplish this, a mastopexy (breast lift) is required using incisions around the nipples/areolas and down the center of the breast. I would suggest giving your implants time to drop over the next couple of months while performing breast massage as instructed by your surgeon. If you are unsatisfied with the position of your nipples following this period, ask your surgeon if he or she thinks that a breast lift procedure will help you achieve your goals. I hope this is useful!

Do my nipples seem low after surgery? (photo)

Answers (6)

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