Implants dropping at extremely different rates and extreme nipple pain? Is this normal? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and photos. Implants can absolutely settle at slightly different rates.  As much as we try, it is impossible to have the exact same pocket and tissue manipulation.  This can account for some differences in the implants settling.  Nipple sensitivity is a reflection of nerve recovery and can persist for a couple of weeks.  All in all, you have a favorable result.  Best of luck.

Your situation is so normal that I wonder if implants dropping at the same rate isn't abnormal.  Also, your surgeon's recommendation to wear a strap to push down the left implant is an excellent idea.  In my practice when situations of this type occur, I recommend ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles) to increase the blood supply, decrease the swelling, and possibly open up a pathway whereby your high riding left implant can more easily move itself down into the desired position.  A second modality which we often use is DMSO which, again, decreases inflammation, may very well decrease the pain in your left nipple, and again opens the pathway whereby your implant may move down more rapidly.  Asymmetric swelling is very common and should be dealt with early and aggressively.  That being said, I wouldn't worry, just act.  Statistically, you have an outstanding chance of a positive and successful outcome.

You have two separate issues-hypersensitivity and implant postition. Your hypersensitivity will resolve with time. In addition to NSAID medication, you could put silicone nipple shields on to diminish the sensitivity. Your breast will likely take 3 to 6 months to reach their final shape. Continue to follow your surgeons recommendations to get the best possible result.

I do not recommend exercises as these promote displacement of round implants over time. Without complete detail, I am guessing that you have smooth round implants. In my practice, great care and attention is focused on placing the implants properly from the get-go - the position they need to be in. This facilitates recovery. Stillwater patients are generally back to work and exercise within 48 hours. Also, no special garments or displacement exercises needed....ever.

Thank you for your picture and question.It is very common for implants to drop at different rates. I would say that is the norm. Your results look great and looks like the sizes are good picks. Hang in there. Take it easy if you feel pain, usually an indicator to slow it down a bit.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards

This early after the surgery it is not uncommon for the implants to be falling at different rates.  The hypersensitivity in your nipples is also normal.  Continue to do the message and be patient.  It may take 6 months for everything to drop.

Thank you for your question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, advice, predictions, and/or meaningful reassurance.

Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery and massaging the implants downward may assist in the dropping of the implants after surgery (for those patients who want to help with the settling of the implants). The rate of breast implant "settling" may depend on factors such as size of breast implant pocket dissected, tightness of the overlying skin/muscle layers, and size of breast implant utilized. Normally, it takes about 3-6 months (for some patients longer) to see the final result. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.

Sometimes, one or both breasts implants do not settle as planned and revisionary breast surgery becomes necessary to improve the outcome. On other occasions, if the long-term breast asymmetry is mild ( understanding that absolute symmetry is very rarely achieved), patients will need to decide whether proceeding with revisionary breast surgery is worth the potential downsides associated with additional surgery.

Again, best to follow your plastic surgeon for more specifics. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Yes. This is completely normal and you can expect to have an excellent result based on your photos. I tell my patients to expect at least 3 months before they appear more normal and some patients up to a year. You can expect one implant to drop and then a month later the other one. Good Luck!!!

Dear Eeschul, your breasts look different because different sizes of implants were used.  I assume this was done because the left breast was smaller and therefore it got the larger implant!  So it is expected for them to look different, at least for a while.  Your left implant is larger and also taller (bigger implants have bigger vertical height) and that's why it shows more prominently in the top part of your breast or upper pole not to mention the fact that the left breast was smaller to begin with.  That also explains the pain in your left nipple because that breast is experiencing a much larger stretch and nerves (the nerves in your breasts) don't like to be stretched.  On the brighter side your photos look very promising, I think you will have a wonderful result!  The process of implant settling take a long time and it never happens at the same rate.  I tell my patients to wait at least 3 months before deciding that the implant placement needs correction and often times we wait longer.  As you and your doctor well know, the only way to correct abnormal implant placement is to go back to surgery so we tend to wait as long as possible.

Appears you are progressing normally. But ALWAYS best to follow your chosen surgeons plan of post op healing...