Will my implants still drop and fluff? I'm 2 months. Am I on the right track? (Photo)

At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be
worried about the outcome. It takes time for the implants to settle into
position and the skin and muscle to stretch out to accommodate the new implant.
It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final
look. Be patient.Implant
massage is a critical part of the postoperative recovery from breast
augmentation (like physical therapy is a critical part of the postoperative
recovery from knee surgery). The space for the implant is meticulously
crafted at the time of augmentation surgery, especially when the operation is
performed using the surgical endoscope through the transaxillary approach.
However, the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold needs to
stretch out to accommodate the implant (dropping) and the skin and muscle need
to relax to give the desired shape (fluffing). Implant massage allows you
to manipulate the pocket from the inside to direct the forces in the
appropriate directions to mold the breast shape to the desired outcome.
If the scar that is actively forming around the implant is allowed to
heal without the influence of breast massage, the fold will not stretch
appropriately (implant stays too high), the scar will attempt to contract in a
linear way over the curved surface of the implant (breast shape will remain too
flat), and the space will attempt to heal smaller and tighter than the implant
(capsular contracture). Implant massage influences the scar formation on
the inside at the most critical phase of the healing, allowing the space to be larger
than the implant (mobility which creates the natural feel and bounce).



Implant
massage starts at one week at 5 times per day for one minute at a time and
continues at this pace until one month. I often see the patients weekly
during this time to reinforce the technique and help the patients who need
extra effort to soften the breasts. During this time period, the massage also
breaks up the spasm, relieving the discomfort, particularly upon awakening from
sleep (morning breast). During the day, every time there is the sensation
of tightness, implant massage breaks up the spasm and relieves the discomfort,
minimizing the need for narcotics. At one month, the force that can be
exerted is increased but the frequency of massage decreases to 3 times per day.
As the wound matures, the massage can decrease to once per day forever as
maintenance. The patients integrate this into their shower routine.




Although
some patients can get away with no massage, it is a common issue for those who
stop the massage and make none of their follow up appointment to suddenly show
up years after surgery claiming that they woke up one morning with a capsular
contracture and implant malposition. Of course this did not happen
overnight, but was a slow process that could have been prevented with daily
maintenance massage and regular routine follow appointments on a yearly basis
(which we provide for free, forever). With this type of perpetual follow up, it
is possible to identify a problem early that might need a modification in the
massage technique.



Implant
massage involves moving the device up against the wall of the pocket, holding
pressure against the surface of the scar. The specifics are determined on an
individual basis guided by what the patient needs. In some patients it is
simple and of little significance. In some patients it is a struggle to
get the implants into the right position and to gain softness and mobility, but
with the right technique and the appropriate dedication it is a huge success. For
the patients that do not participate in the massage in a meaningful way, some
will get away with their lack of dedication because they were going to have
soft breasts no matter what. On the other hand, some patients will
squander their opportunity to have an excellent result because they don't
believe that the massage is necessary, or because they have been told by their
friends or other doctors that they didn't need to perform massage.
Regardless, they often require surgery that could have been avoided by
following the postoperative instructions of a surgeon that has performed nearly
10,000 breast implant operations and has seen the healing of each of those
patients and integrated the successes and failures of each one into a
postoperative plan that really works.



I find no use for bands, straps, bras or appliances after
breast augmentation surgery.

We generally tell our patients that it will take a minimum of three months for the implants to "drop" and become more a part of you. It may still be a little early in the healing process but be sure to keep follow up with your surgeon as you continue to heel. Good luck!

Thank you for your question and photographs, and it appears that you will have a very nice result. 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. It appears that you had fairly large implants placed, which can result in increased swelling and muscle tightness, maintaining your implants elevated. 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.

Hello, implants can continue to settle for months so it is possible you will continue to see improvement.  it is important to have ongoing assessments by your PS to ensure you are making progress.

I appreciate your question.



Right now, you are very early on in the
post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable
having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you
to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image. There are many
variables that contribute to a breast augmentation's final result. Preop size
and shape, IMF location, location of the implants and type of implant. Patients
heal at different rates and each breast will sometimes heal at a different
rate. Rest, relax, recover and heal. Please Express your concerns to your surgeon so
he/she can examine you. Then reassess final result at 6 months.



The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.



Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Thank you for your question and photos.  Although your implants appear to be high on your chest, I tell my patients to wait about 3 months before assessing the results of their surgeries.  Please continue to follow the instructions of your surgeon moving forward to ensure optimal results.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for your question.  While 2 months out is early, your should discuss it with your Plastic Surgeon.  For my patients at this stage, I would make sure they are doing massage as instructed.  I would also recommend using a Bandeau strap to put pressure on the upper poles to help with the swelling and put downward pressure on the implants.

While implants can take anywhere from 3-6 months to drop and settle into place, at 2 months they appear to still be very high.  Go see your surgeon for a follow up appointment and discuss your concerns.  Perhaps ask about wearing a breast band and massage to help them drop and go from there.  Keep in close contact with your surgeon so your progress can be tracked. Best of luck. ac

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided pictures, I recommend you to wait a couple of more weeks, it is too soon to know when they will drop

At two months it is a bit early and they m ay drop some more. You should follow closely with your surgeon.  Good luck.