One breast looks like it's dropping faster.. is this normal? What can I do to make it drop faster? (Photo)

Question

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER BREAST
SURGERY, AUGMENTATION, LIFTS

1.   
pain is variable

2.   
it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax

3.   
celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help

4.   
massage and stretching may help

5.   
everyone heals differently

6.   
4-7 days off from work is common

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear
with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory
nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR PLASTIC
SURGEON IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT INFECTION, BLEEDING, SWELLING, FEVER,
EXCESSIVE BRUISING, OR ANY NEW AND SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE FEELING OR LOOK OF
YOUR BREASTS/IMPLANTS.

Gregory DeLange, MD · Answer

It is
extremely common for one breast implant to drop or settle into its ideal pocket
at a different rate than the other.  Final position should be achieved in
about a month.  The cause of the difference is usually secondary to a
thicker muscle on one side or slightly different muscle or breast release
performed by the surgeon.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

I will assume your implants are under the muscle. Initially, the tightness of the muscle will distort the appearance in different ways including holding them up higher in the chest. As the muscles are rarely equally strong and tight the distortion and timing for muscle relaxation/stretching will not be the same. Over time they should equalize. The benefits of adjuncts like bands, medications, and stretching/massage exercises will vary from patient to patient. This is something that can be discussed with your surgeon.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

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. 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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

One breast always drops faster than the other - that's pretty normal. You can massage and use s breast band. However, refer to your plastic surgeon on this topic since you're so early on in the recovery process. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo

One breast looks like it's dropping faster.. is this normal? What can I do to make it drop faster? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Implants/Breast Augmentation/Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/ Silicone Implants/Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Answer: Breast Implants/Breast Augmentation/Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/ Silicone Implants/Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Answer: One breast....

Answer: One breast....

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

One breast looks like it's dropping faster.. is this normal? What can I do to make it drop faster? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Implants/Breast Augmentation/Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/ Silicone Implants/Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Answer: Breast Implants/Breast Augmentation/Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/ Silicone Implants/Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Answer: One breast....

Answer: One breast....

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.