What's wrong with my right breast? (Photo)

Question

I'm 3 months post op and my right breast has become sore, smaller & lumpy. The left breast feels like one solid boob where the right feels like 2 separate pieces and a when I lay down the implant looks separated from my breast tissue. Also will my implants drop any more? They're still very high up and round.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi hn659724, 
  
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 early stages of the healing process at 3 months post op. 
  
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. 
  
Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.
  
But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. 
  
Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Difficult to assess without seeing you in person. Please follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in-person assessment. Regards,

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your picture it looks like you have a great result, give it at least 6 months for final result and continue to follow up with your PS.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

If one breast is getting smaller and firmer three months after surgery, this is probably due to scar formation, or capsule contracture. Vigorous massage may help this, however surgical correction may be necessary. Typically implants have settled by three months and are unlikely to drop further. You should make an appointment with your surgeon to address your concerns.

Daniel Kaufman, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. Unfortunately from the image provided, it is difficult to provide an accurate assessment. I would recommend meeting with your plastic surgeon to address your concerns. I hope this helps.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to tell much from your photo.  I think that it is always best to address concerns such as these with your surgeon, so that they may examine you in person, diagnose the problem, and discuss possible solutions.  Having said that, many changes happen over the first 6 months after breast augmentation as swelling resolves and the implants settle.  I would wait at least that amount of time to make any final judgements about your result or discuss any possible revision options.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Impossible to comment without seeing some preops. All breasts are asymmetrical preop and usually postop asymmetry is anticipated. It is still too early to comment on the final result and best to follow up with your PS for reassurance.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It would be nice to see preop photos as well, but I think that you have to give it more time to heal. It sounds like one breast  may have been smaller and perhaps not accommodating the implant as well as the other side at the present time.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It is difficult to evaluate from photos. Suffice it to say that your result is not near final and any possible adjustments would be unlikely to be considered until things have stabilized over the next 3-6 months.

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

Thank you for this question.  I'll have to make a few assumptions, given one postoperative image.  I am not sure what existing asymmetry there may have been before your augmentation.  At three months, there probably is another 3 months of so of dropping, settling, etc. that will take place before critical evaluation should be done.  Having said that, with the image provided, it appears that the right breast shape is displaced some toward your arm compared to the left breast.  This may be due to the implant pocket allowing the implant to fall to the arm, also demonstrating less fullness in the cleavage (medial) area.  There may also be some difference in the soft tissue coverage over the implants between the two breasts.  Certainly, return to your plastic surgeon for a thorough examination and advice regarding the asymmetry.  Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

What's wrong with my right breast? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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