Is it normal for breast implants to drop at different times? (Photo)

Question

I am 9 weeks post op from a dual plane 4 sub pectoral breast augmentation. I am so upset at how my breasts have dropped. They are completely different and at different heights completely. Is this normal? I should mention that with my surgeons guidance I have been back weight training from week 3 but all lower body and no pectoral work at all. Please help I am devastated with my result

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.  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 and 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, size of breast implant utilized, and concerns such as pre-existing breast asymmetry.

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.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Is it the size?  The implant position?  The different rates of settling?  The nipple position?  Without seeing what you started with, I would speculate that you had a hint of droopy and it was hoped the implant would elevate the nipple for you.  It also appears your breasts could be low positioned contributing to the lack of fullness in the upper poles.  But many options exist on how best to rectify this and much of that depends on what your goals are.  And I agree with your surgeon that you should not be attempting any chest muscle strengthening. So keep your surgeon in the loop as to what is bothering you and preventing you from being a happy patient.

Michael Marion, MD · Answer

Hi.  It is usual for breast implants to "drop" or settle into their position over time.  This does not always happen simultaneously, and usually one will soften and settle before the other.  Continue to visit with your surgeon and allow him/her to follow your progress.  Only after multiple months would there be a concern for the implant staying too high.  There are also other reasons for implants to appear high on the chest wall and again those issues can be determined in the office on examination.  All the best.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and this is one we hear frequently from patients and over time the problem usually resolves itself so be patient.Dr. Corbin

Is it normal for breast implants to drop at different times? (Photo)

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Is it normal for breast implants to drop at different times? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Implants Dropping at Different Rates

Answer: Breast Implants Dropping at Different Rates

Answer: Dropping

Answer: Dropping

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