I had a transaxillary BA 5 weeks ago and I see a lot of progress with my right breast. However, there is little to no progress on my left. It is still sitting very high. My dr told me to push the implant down while lying down, I am also wearing a band all day. My pictures are from top to bottom : 3,4,5 weeks post op. Is this normal for one not to move or should I be worried by now? I also have a vein and a knot sticking out under my left armpit from the Incision. Could that contribute as well?
Answer: 5 weeks Thank you for your question and photographs. It is quite normal to have one implant appearing different from the other at 5 weeks following breast augmentation surgery. My strong advice is to wait a full 4-6 months before considering your final result. You are likely still swollen and implants do take time to settle into the pocket. Best of luck.
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Answer: 5 weeks Thank you for your question and photographs. It is quite normal to have one implant appearing different from the other at 5 weeks following breast augmentation surgery. My strong advice is to wait a full 4-6 months before considering your final result. You are likely still swollen and implants do take time to settle into the pocket. Best of luck.
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Answer: A common problem with the axillary approach for breast augmentation The transaxillary approach to breast augmentation, unless a scope is used, can lead to the pectoralis major muscle only being stretched without being fully released leading to postop lack of implant descent over time. This may only be fixed by surgery. This is one of the reasons why I do not prefer the axillary approach. I have had to fix other doctors patients in this situation which requires an incision in the inframmamary fold or areola. Another cause of lack of implant descent is early onset capsular contracture. A good physical exam can distinguish these two problems. Good luck!
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Answer: A common problem with the axillary approach for breast augmentation The transaxillary approach to breast augmentation, unless a scope is used, can lead to the pectoralis major muscle only being stretched without being fully released leading to postop lack of implant descent over time. This may only be fixed by surgery. This is one of the reasons why I do not prefer the axillary approach. I have had to fix other doctors patients in this situation which requires an incision in the inframmamary fold or areola. Another cause of lack of implant descent is early onset capsular contracture. A good physical exam can distinguish these two problems. Good luck!
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March 31, 2018
Answer: 5 Weeks Post Op Hello and thanks for your question. It can take up to 6 months for implants to fully settle and it is not uncommon for implants to settle at different rates. I have my patients massage their breasts starting at 1 week post op and spend about 5 minutes on each breast, 3-5 times a day. Sometimes a revision surgery is necessary to move the implant down, but that would not be a discussion for at least 3-6 months. You are still early in the recovery phase, but continue to follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck !
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March 31, 2018
Answer: 5 Weeks Post Op Hello and thanks for your question. It can take up to 6 months for implants to fully settle and it is not uncommon for implants to settle at different rates. I have my patients massage their breasts starting at 1 week post op and spend about 5 minutes on each breast, 3-5 times a day. Sometimes a revision surgery is necessary to move the implant down, but that would not be a discussion for at least 3-6 months. You are still early in the recovery phase, but continue to follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck !
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March 31, 2018
Answer: Implant dropping Dear kml17,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.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Daniel Barrett, MD
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March 31, 2018
Answer: Implant dropping Dear kml17,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.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Daniel Barrett, MD
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March 31, 2018
Answer: Early Breast Asymmetry kml17. I see what you mean, however it is still quite early in your postoperative recovery period, and the overlying muscle and skin needs to relax to allow the implants to settle in. It is quite common for early asymmetry to occur but over time it may very well settle in without intervention. I would wait a minimum of 3 to 6 months after surgery before considering any revision and stay in close contact with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.
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March 31, 2018
Answer: Early Breast Asymmetry kml17. I see what you mean, however it is still quite early in your postoperative recovery period, and the overlying muscle and skin needs to relax to allow the implants to settle in. It is quite common for early asymmetry to occur but over time it may very well settle in without intervention. I would wait a minimum of 3 to 6 months after surgery before considering any revision and stay in close contact with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.
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