Will my implants will appear to be larger after they drop and fluff? (Photos)

Question

I had my breast augmentation on September 18 2018. I got 286cc with submuscular placement. Every once and a while, I feel a tender, stinging sensation in my nipple and in the incision site. I've attached photos to show the incision. I am also wondering if my implants will appear to be larger after they “drop and fluff.” I like the shape of them but I wish they were a little fuller. I’m 5’8” and about 130 pounds. I was a 32A before and I’m hoping to be a 32C.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...You are still early post op and it can take up to 3 months for the implants to settle. Once they drop, more volume will fill out. Give it some more time. Congratulations on your BA. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

The drop and fludd phenomenom is observed in breast augmentation specially in a submuscular breast augmentation like the Dual Plane type I technique. It is common after breast augmentation surgery to view breast implants  asymmetrical, usually riding higher in the initial weeks post op. Takes 3-6 months for the swelling and inflammation to go away, and the implants to settle in their final position. Implants can fall in a different rate in to their final place, that’s why usually one implant is in a different place then the other. Takes that time for the pectoral muscle to relax and let the implants settle down filling the lower pole and displaces the nipple to it's final position. This will give the end result of a natural, round, perky and more symmetrical apparance to the breasts. Best regards...!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

You're only one month postop and your implants appear to be sitting where they should based on the pictures submitted. Over the next few months, they should drop and come forward to exhibit a normal breast shape. Continue to follow along with your surgeon so that they can monitor your recovery.

Peter N. Butler, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question.  Breast implants placed behind the muscle do take up to six months to fully relax in the pocket.  The muscles and surrounding tissues must stretch to allow more space for the implants to settle.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

The appearance of your breasts may become more satisfactory to you as you continue to heal. The surrounding tissues and your skin adapt to the implants, stretch and become more relaxed. As the implants drop into their pockets completely, the projection of your breasts may improve. Therefore they may seem slightly larger. Your surgeon can address your issues in better light during your follow ups.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

As the muscle stretches out, over there first 3 months, the shape and projection of  breast implants usually continues to improve. Just give it some time.

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is still early and implants take about 4-6 months to settle into their final position.  Initially there is more fullness up top and less projection of the nipple area.  As the implants come down, the projection of the breast usually increases.  It is common for patients to have some sizing anxiety as this process unfolds in the early stages of healing.  Discomfort around the incisions in the first month or two is also not uncommon as you are experiencing currently.  I would continue with the regular follow-up visits with your PS and let things settle over time.  I find patients at 6 months sometimes wish they had gone a bit larger with implants but often as time goes on they appreciate the ability to wear a padded bra on occasion to fill out clothing without the day to day discomfort of larger implants and heavier breasts.  Also - based on your photos: for 3 weeks out the implants are in excellent early position, there is good symmetry and the incisions are healing well.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ashleyystapletonn,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.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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question & pictures. Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery. 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.   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.
  Again, best to discuss your concerns directly with your plastic surgeon. Ask about his rationale behind his recommendations. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with longer-term.

Scot Martin, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your breast augmentation&mdash;it looks like you’re already healing nicely. However, you are still early on in the recovery process, so you should still see a gradual change in the size and position of your breasts as they drop and fluff. “Dropping” refers to the settling of your implants into a lower and more natural-looking position on your chest, while “fluffing” is the softening and filling out of your implants as the breast pocket becomes more accustomed to your new size. This process can result in a fuller look, but it’ll happen gradually over the next several weeks.