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.

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