Is this healing normal? (photo)

Question

I currently have 375cc mod profile under the muscle in both breasts. I noticed the left breast is dropping and healing beautifully however the right one is running off in another direction. I’m 3 months post so I know it’s pretty early but I’m concerned the right one will continue to look droopy and not fluff correctly. Will I have to swap out the implant for a larger size so they match or will the implant fluff over time? Also I notice rippling in the right breast is that normal?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  After placement of implants, the overall 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.  Early in recovery the combination of tissue swelling and the volume of the implants causes a flattened, wide, and elevated appearance to the implants, while the lower breast appears empty.  As this swelling resolves, and your tissues stretch, you should see gradual improvement.  During this process it is common to have some breast asymmetries develop.  I know waiting is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of your breast changes should have occurred by then.  Hope this helps

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

After augmentation, it is not unusal to have some minor asymmetries in the breasts. Most of these will resolve as the swelling diminishes and the implants settle. This process generally is completed by three months, and any significant differences in implant position, etc , will take surgical intervention to resolve. From your photo alone, and not having your preoperative photos to compare ,it is difficult to determine if the difference in appearance is due to the implants, or asymmetries in your natural breasts. Rippling is generally associated with saline implants where there is not much tissue coverage. Unless it is significant, it is not of great concern, and the only good way to address it is to switch to silicone implants. Discuss your concerns about your results with your surgeon to determine if any correction is indicated.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

All breasts are different right to left before and after any surgery. They will also heal differently and may take 6-12 months.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss and address your concerns at this point.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. It’s hard to tell for sure but you should give it at least 6 months before deciding in a revision.I hope this helps :)

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Victoria,It is still very early in your post-op healing phase.  The right breast appears to be settling faster than the left.  It is not uncommon for them to settle at different rates.  If the asymmetry persists at 5-6 months, you may need to consider a revision procedure.  Your pre-operative photos would also help to see if this was destined to happen due to your anatomy.Best of luck.Dr T

Is this healing normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Implants dropping

Answer: Implants dropping

Answer: Breast asymmetry

Answer: Breast asymmetry

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Is this healing normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Implants dropping

Answer: Implants dropping

Answer: Breast asymmetry

Answer: Breast asymmetry

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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.