One Breast Implant Taking Longer to Drop

Others have suggested that time and massage are needed. I agree. From your picture, your breast tissue and skin appear to be of good quality and the skin envelope appears fairly tight. Presuming that your tissue envelope was not particularly deflated or sagging preoperatively, it is often the case that implants will take many weeks to "drop."

When placing an implant, I set the level of the pocket at a location at the bottom of the breast. From here the implant doesn't so much "drop" in position, but rather the breast tissue relaxes and accommodates the implant. As this happens, the lower pole of the breast rounds-out and the "too high" upper boder of the implant comes down.

It has been my experience that postoperative massage can play a critical role in a case such as yours. Our patients see our massage therapist at their preoperative visit and at a postoperative visit. In a case such as yours, I think it is reasonable to come out of any bra and use a band.

I'd suggest you call your surgeon's office, and see if they can recommend a perioperative massage therapist experienced in such cases. We've found that commonly, patients are much to "light" in their massage and that even one visit with the therapist can recalibrate this pressure and teach a patient and thier partner most effectively.

Bottom Line: Time will tell, but I'd step up the massage and recommend a perioperative massage therapy visit.

Hope this helps.

At 3 weeks after surgery it is very common for the implants to be high, and possibly uneven, even if the pockets are created properly.  The implants will fall over a period of months.  What is depicted in your photographs and what you are describing is completely normal.  You should use your arms normally, and do the breast massage 5 times per day.  There are special techniques that we teach the patients to encourage the implants to fall.  By the time you go on your trip they will have dropped much more than they have at this point in the recovery.

It is normal for one side to drop before the other. Continue massaging the right breast implant and avoid any sort of bra that will lift the breast implant. Be sure to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon.You will likely see the final result at 3-4 months after surgery.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards (Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

3 weeks is not enough time to assess the eventual outcome. I have had patients with this degree of asymmetry at 3 weeks but an excellent result within a few months. I sometimes instruct my patients to lift the bra and place it over the upper pole of the breasts, exerting a downward stretch to the implants. The higher implant will receive most of the force from the bra (or from a breast strap). You can also manually push the implant down on the right. Please check with your surgeon before doing these things.The implant can look high for several reasons. The tissues or muscles could still be tight, needing to relax in order to accommodate the implant. The lower portion of the muscle may be insufficiently released. You may still have swelling on the right that has resolved on the left. Regardless, keep in mind that your appearance may very well improve a lot over the next few months.

Thanks for your question!
It can take 3 to 6 months for both implants to drop and settle into position. Continue following your post op care instructions and reach out to your surgeon with your concerns. Best wishes!

Some asymmetry after submuscular breast augmentation is completely normal. If you are right-handed, this is your dominant side. You most likely use your right arm and consequently your right chest muscle more. Your right chest muscle will be tighter and stronger pulling the implant up higher than the left side. I tell my patients to massage the breast to relax the chest muscle. I also have them do chest muscle stretching exercises. Some doctors will have you wear a breast band to apply pressure to the upper breast to push it down. Be patient because it can take a few months for the dominant breast to drop. Good Luck!

It is much too early to judge the final result as it takes at least 2 months for the implants to completely settle. Settling is a normal process where the breast and chest wall tissues stretch to gradually accomodate the implant. Especially with saline implants you can expect that the upper "fake" fullness that you see will change as the lower part of the breast fills out more. You should be able to perform most activities by now with full are motions. You can continue the massaging especially in a downward direction on the right. Wear bra as needed for comfort. Your result will improve!

Hello,3 weeks is still very early. I recommend aggressive massage to both implants with more downward massage on the right. Talk to your surgeon about this so he/she can help instruct you on massage. By 3 months they should be close to their final position.All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question!  I would consult with the plastic surgeon who did your surgery.  He can discuss any further questions since he has your before pictures as well.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel 

Double Board Certified

Plastic Surgeon

Chicago

Hoffman Estates

Oak Brook

Two things happen and seem paradoxical. As as the swelling goes down there will be some shrinkage but at the same time as the muscle relaxes your breast projection grows. In general the breast shape and size proportionality improves..Breast implants initially after surgery when placed in a submuscular position often give superior fullness that corrects itself with time, the "fluff and drop" phenomena. In reality the pectoralis major muscle takes a while to adjust its size to accommodate the implant as well as occasional muscle spasm which keeps the implant projection higher than its final resting shape. Additional variables include:laxity of skin, size difference during prior pregnancies, position of implant,size of muscle, and size of implant.As the muscle relaxes the projection of the implant often increases and the breast shape improves. Massage and use of a superior placed elastic strap can often make this process go faster.

Thank you for submitting your question and
photo. Your very early in your recovery from breast augmentation surgery. Your
implants will soften and your breasts will change over the next several weeks.
Final results take 6 months. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes.