9 days post-op. Once my boobs settled, will I have side boob? (photos)

Thanks for the question. I agree that it’s a bit too early to tell and there’s definitely significant swelling during the early period immediate post-surgery. It will take time for the implants to settle into it’s final position and also for the tissue swelling to resolve. Side-boob or side cleavage is something the surgeon can plan to achieve deliberately after an augmentation. It does depend on what you are starting with, the implant size and type and the placement of the implant. Not every patient will have or is suitable for the outer side breast cleavage after augmentation. Everyone is unique and there are several factors to consider if side cleavage is ideal. During my consultations with my patients, one of the considerations is the ’side boob’. This isn’t a medical term but it seems to be the rage now as celebrities and influencers popularise it on social media. So what is it anyway ? Side boob simply means a glimpse of the side of the breasts and it’s essentially cleavage and breast projection from the side. Having a side boob usually means that the side part of your breasts extends beyond the edge of your body to where your arms are. If you draw a vertical line down from your armpit crease, the extra show of breast curve you can see beyond this line in bikinis, sleeveless dresses and tank tops - that’s the side boob. Side boob can be sexy if it is well-intentioned.
Side boob is something some women want to achieve after breast augmentation and if you are considering breast augmentation it will be good to bring this up so that you can discuss it with your surgeon. There are a few considerations on whether you will have side boob (visible side cleavage) after surgery:
Existing breast size and location on the chest wall. Depending on the current breast size, presence and absence of central and side cleavage, you will be able to select an ideal implant size and shape. Exact pocket dissection and placement of the implant will then be able to create the side cleavage.
Existing nipple position and width of the chest bone (sternum). The existing nipple position specifically how far apart they are will affect the aesthetics of the augmentation. In certain body types, it may not be aesthetic to have a side cleavage.
Soft tissue coverage and how your skin is able to handle the increased volume of the implant. If you are very thin, you may not be suitable for side cleavage as the implant may be visible. Options of a hybrid technique using fat grafts may help. 
Implant size and position. Depending on the implant size, and position of implant you can get central cleavage, side cleavage or both. Certainly if you want both, the implant may need to be of a certain size.
Of the above mentioned factors, the most important factor that can be controlled is the dissection of the breast pocket. Pre-operative planning and selection of implants to match your body shape and breasts is critical. During surgery, the creation of  a precise and perfectly symmetrical breast pocket is critical. During the placement of implants under the chest muscle, I make sure the muscle is detached the same way such that the pocket created are identical. (Some of the revisions I have performed have asymmetry because the muscle is released differently on each side) The pocket has to be precise so that the implant position is well controlled and does not slip out to the side. That creates another set of problems where the implants are too wide apart and the nipples are pointing too far out. The patient is sat up during surgery to confirm the implants are located exactly where we want them, to check the symmetry and then the patient is lay down again and this position is again verified from the foot of the bed. Post-surgery, patients are given a specific recovery protocol and placed in a recovery bra for 4 weeks. Be patient with your recovery and check back with your surgeon. It does takes some time for the swelling to resolve and for your body to recover from the surgery.All the best! And feel free to check back here if you have any questions!Best Regards,Dr. Terence Goh | MOH-Accredited Plastic Surgeon | AZATACA Plastic Surgery

Dear Fairybbb,
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.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

Yes, you should get the shape you wish. At 9 days you are about 5 percent shaped, settled, softened, 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     
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have swelling. Breasts may not heal at the same rate, causing one breast to appear different than the other. It can take up to 12 weeks for the implants to settle and you to see the final result. Give it a little more time before deciding if you are satisfied with your results. Follow up with your board certified surgeon to address your concern. Good luck!

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind