One implant dropped, the other hasn't yet. Should I be concerned?

Question

Hi it's been almost 5 months and one of breast still hasn't dropped should I be concerned there's no hardening but one still a bit higher and hasn't dropped yet

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some asymmetry after your breast augmentation surgery. This may be because your breasts started out asymmetric, or maybe you have slightly different procedures done on each side so they will heal at different rates. The best thing to do is to speak to your surgeon and be examined. While a small amount of asymmetry may be normal, more obvious asymmetries may indicated an issue that needs to be addressed.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's normal for breast implants to settle at various rates. The period when implants settle into their final position and the surrounding tissue relaxes is called "drop and fluff." This may need a few weeks, months, or a year. After five months, if one implant has settled but the other has not, this might indicate a problem such as capsular contracture or the need for revision surgery. It is important to consult with your surgeon again to address any issues and decide on the best course of action.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals!

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast implants may drop and settle unevenly, a normal part of the healing process. Since breasts are naturally asymmetrical, muscle tone and tissue flexibility can affect how implants settle over time. Even though your surgery was five months ago, it may take six to twelve months for the breast implants to settle. Schedule a follow-up consultation with your surgeon to discuss any concerns and evaluate the placement of your implants. They may recommend using a supportive bra or gentle massage techniques to help settle. While some asymmetry is normal, watch out for any signs of issues such as persistent discomfort, unusual swelling, hardness, or changes in the contour of the breasts, as these could indicate problems like capsular contracture or implant malposition.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
It may take up to 6 months for both implants to drop and settle. Continue to follow all instructions and reach out to your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Vivid565819,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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

It is very normal for the implants to drop at a different rate. It may take up to six months for some cases. The higher implant is usually on your dominant side, meaning if you’re right handed the right side will be a little higher than the left side and may take longer to drop into place. Be sure to contact your surgeon and ask for a follow up appointment to address your concerns.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It certainly happens sometimes that and implant does not quite fall into the right position.  Under most circumstances, a decision can be made regarding a very small revision surgery at about 6 months.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, without pictures it is hard to comment.  You should definitely see your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.  At this visit you should discuss strategies to encourage the implant to fall, or if it will fall, best of luck.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  I would advise that you talk to your surgeon so he/she can examine you to determine the cause of why one looks different than the other.  Although some asymmetry is acceptable, obvious asymmetry is not the norm (as long as you were symmetric before the surgery).  Once you know the cause, then you and your surgeon can decide how best to treat your problem.   Best of luck!

One implant dropped, the other hasn't yet. Should I be concerned?

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