Will my breasts start to drop and look normal after breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

I just had a breast augmentation 2 days ago. I was an small A cup, and went with 900cc saline Implants. They now are up to my collar bone and into my armpits. I want these round and sexy. What do i do? Is this normal?

William S. Umansky, MD · Answer

Your implants look very tight under your chest muscle. At 2 days post op, you are in the early stages of your healing process. This tightness should get better with stretching of your muscles. Stretching your muscles and the use of a surgical bandeau may help.  It is not uncommon  for the breasts sit high like this in the earlier stages of recovery but because you have large implants it may take some time for them to settle. If you have further concerns, I recommend bringing them up with your surgeon. He or she will be best equipped to advise you regarding your recovery. Best of luck with your healing process.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear fusionelitecheer,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 at 2 days  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.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

Your concerns are understandable. Your plastic surgeon, knowing the details  of your situation, will be your best resource when it comes to good assessment, advice, and/or meaningful prediction/reassurance.
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. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.
Similarly, it takes a few months for the breasts to "soften" in most cases.  Most of my patients tell me that their breast implants feel "part of them" somewhere between 3 to 6 months after surgery was performed.
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. 
 There is definitely a physiologic and "psychological" (body image)  adaptation process that occurs, at differing rates for every patient, for patients who undergo any type of aesthetic surgery, including breast  augmentation surgery.  Understandably, patients often experience significant emotional "ups and downs" around the time of surgery.
 In other words: time, patience, and close followup with your plastic surgeon are your best friends here. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with longer-term.

William Rahal, MD · Answer

In the first week, your breasts will be swollen and sit high on your chest. This gives some patients the impression that they are “bigger” prior to dropping. Part of why you’ll get this impression is because you will look down at your breasts, and since they are closer to you, they appear bigger.
From the first week to one month, the skin will relax and there is less swelling, so the implants begin to drop. Usually by your third month, you will have the final result.
Note that the healing process of breast augmentation is asymmetric. That means it is possible that one breast may look more swollen, have more bruising, or appear higher than the other. This is completely normal and will go away with time.
Starting one week after surgery, I direct my patients to perform breast massages as directed, two times a day. Breast massaging may prevent scar formation, assists the skin in accommodating the implant and helps you get used to the feel of your new breasts.

I hope that answers your question on when implants will drop. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. 
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. 
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. 
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. 
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and it will take some time for your tissue to stretch out and for your implants to settle.  You are guaranteed to have rippling from your minimal tissue coverage.  Despite the grotesque look you have now, it will improve, albeit slowly, in your case.  Trust your surgeon to do the best for you since happy patients refer more patients and follow instructions to get the best outcome possible.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

At 2 days postop, you are very early in your recovery period. Give yourself some time to heal and for the swelling to subside. Drink lots of water and keep walking. It can take months for the implants and swelling to settle out. Don't judge your look until you have finished the recovery process.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

Thanks for the photos.  I am really surprised that none of the other doctors have addressed the elephant in the living room.  These implants are too large for your frame.  The reason they are up to your collar bones and into your armpits is that they have to go somewhere.   They will soften up and drop some with time but they will remain too large for you and will never, ever look "normal".   They will thin our your breast tissue and skin and, if subpectoral, your muscle.  I think the best course of action would be to switch these out for something much smaller ASAP.

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