Do I have early signs of symmastia? I am 7 weeks post op 375cc, smooth/round/moderate implants, under the muscle. (Photos)

Question

I provided these pictures to my surgeon who told me my gap is now closed. To me, I still have a 1 finger gap at least. He advised to stop massaging and to stop wearing my compression/sports bra. I need a 2nd opinion. Does it look like I may have symmastia? I am worried if I stop massaging, I may develop capsular contracture later on. ( I was told I needed to massage for 4-6 months at least) If I cant wear a sports bra, is it ok to wear a wireless bra or better to go braless altogether? Thanks!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Your results look good with no symmastia. Massage is individualized and you should follow your surgeon's protocol. At 7 weeks you are about 40 percent settled, healed, softened, shaped, dropped and fluffed. "Drop and fluff" refers to the fact that as the skin stretches and the muscles relax, the implants move down and out slowly – about 1 percent a day. It’ll be about six weeks before they even begin to settle down, but they’ll be close to 80 percent settled and softened at three months. Watching their progress is like watching your hair grow. You don’t see a difference in your hair growth daily, but all of a sudden you need a haircut. 
Be patient after surgery. Give yourself a few months before making a judgment about your surgical results. You won't know the outcome until then. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Miss32BSymmastia is a rare breast condition that occurs when soft web-like breast tissue pulls breast implants towards each other, until the breasts meet uncomfortably at the center of the chest near the sternum (the body’s midline point). Given this abnormal union, symmastia is known by many other names, including breadloafing, kissing breast implants, and the uniboob.Unfortunately, this condition causes the surrounding skin and pectoral muscles to literally lift off the breast bone as the implants are pulled together. This consequently causes pain and discomfort, as well as obvious distortion of the breasts, which can only be disguised with clothing that does not show cleavage.You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, based on the photos it looks like your breasts are close together but still have distinct borders, so this does not appear to be typical synmastia in my opinion.  Your doctor is the best source of advice regarding massage, bra usage and other postop care.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

It doesn't seem that you have symmastia. Give yourself some time for swelling to subside and judge your final results. 7 weeks is still very early to judge your final outcome. I would follow your surgeon's instructions and protocol. If you are concerned, see him or her more frequently to ease your mind and don't hesitate to ask questions. That is what he/she is there for.

Do I have early signs of symmastia? I am 7 weeks post op 375cc, smooth/round/moderate implants, under the muscle. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Symmastia

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Do I have early signs of symmastia? I am 7 weeks post op 375cc, smooth/round/moderate implants, under the muscle. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Symmastia

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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.