Breasts not dropping (5 weeks post op). (photos)

Question

Hello! I had my breast augmentation 5 weeks ago. Since then, my breasts have become very soft. I've been doing my daily instructed displacements as well as taking vitamin e as prescribed by my surgeon. Even though my breasts have become much softer, it seems as if they have not "dropped" at all. I'm a little worried as most women online seem to have noticed improvements by now. Will my breasts drop? If so, how long could it take? Thanks :) The photo is of me a few days post op and me at 5 weeks post op.

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 at this time. 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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

You need to be patient. However, one thing is for certain: implant displacement therapy and vitamin E are proven to be ineffective in prevention or treatment of capsular contracture, and are unnecessary for normal implant healing (drop and fluff). Worse, high doses of vitamin E are potentially harmful, and telling a woman to perform implant massage puts the onus of your outcome into your hands, which is not the case at all.  You should stop both the E and the massage. You will drop with no help at all, except the passage of time. Best of luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You are still very early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. The breasts may swell asymmetrically.  Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and many of my patients would be very happy with the convex upper pole you have... more importantly is your appearances from the front.  Regardless, if you want flatter upper poles. you should be asking your surgeon about maneuvers beyond massage (like strap) to help you achieve your goals.  Changes, if smooth round implants were used, can still be done but the window of opportunity to effect such changes is closing.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

No worries they will. It takes a minimum of 3 months for most people for the skin and muscle to stretch. Keep doing what you are doing. Sincerely,DrRickAZ

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

It can take some time for your implants to settle in the right place. This can takes months to truly happen. At just 5 weeks, you are very early in your recovery.  Drink plenty of fluids, decrease your salt intake, and follow  instructions and restrictions given to you by your plastic surgeon and this should help you.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

There is still time for the implants to drop and it can take 3-6 months before you will be able to see the final result. you may be worth asking your PS about massage.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

The change is immediate.  should expect the skin to soften and the implant to settle at about three months after surgery.      breast exercises are helpful in allowing the implant to settle into a more supple envelope. I think about 3 months of breast exercises are sufficient. The only contraindication to breast exercises is when textured anatomical implants are used. Best of Luck!!

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question and the photos. I agree that you are still very early post op. Having the implants drop can take up to 3 months, so hang in there. Another factor determining how far the implants will drop is the type of implant used. If you have textured implants they will likely not drop as far as smooth ones. Hang in there. I always tell patients that it takes about 3-6 months before their breasts will be near their final position. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.It is important to address any post-operative concerns with your plastic surgeon. You are still early on in your recovery. Swelling after a breast augmentation occurs with 100% of patients, eventually the swelling will go down over the first 3 months and your breasts will drop into their pockets. If the breasts are too high, the use of a breast binder is beneficial to add downward pressure. I would continue to wear your surgical bra if you have one and perform your breast massages. Your doctor may also prescribe you a Medrol dose pack (steroid) to help with the swelling. I hope this helps. Best of luck in your recovery!Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

Breasts not dropping (5 weeks post op). (photos)

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