How long till breasts stop changing and take on their final shape??

Question

I am 6 weeks post op. I feel like most of my swelling if not all is gone. I have no pain and can wear an underwire bra. I seem to still have one breast slightly bigger than the other. I'm wondering if my breasts are done healing or if they are going to change etc decrease in size, change shape...?? How long does it take to completely heal and breasts take their final post op shape??

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

It's interesting to see the diversity of the answers here. Numerous scientific studies regarding healing and scar maturation have been done and reported in our literature. "Average" healing time is about 7 months, but that is the center of the bell-shaped curve that defines the statistics of standard deviations from "average."Although individual patients can certainly vary in their times to complete healing, some will be "done" in as little as 3-4 months, but others can take up to a year. To include the vast majority of patients within the statistical variations, 6-12 months will be the "correct" answer.Simply looking at scars and their complete fading and softening over many months post-surgery or post-laceration repair will confirm that "final" results are not evident for that 6-12 month period of time.So, at 6 weeks you are far from complete in your healing, scar softening and maturation, and additional stretch and dropping. That will take many more months. Which is why it is important to be careful about wearing certain kinds of push-up or tight-fitting stretch brassieres that can still affect your final outcome. Stay in  touch with your surgeon, and follow any advice about bras, elastic bands, and activity. I have seen far too many patients who looked absolutely great (perfect) at 3 months post-op, and then destroyed their results with the same day-in, day-out push-up bra that caused symmastia and closed-off pockets laterally with centrally-displaced implants and "wall-eyed" nipples. Yes, from wearing the "wrong" bra all day every day. The consistent pressure can cause implant displacement while the scar capsules are still immature, incompletely-stretched, and changeable. Re-operation could have been avoided in these kinds of cases. But only if your surgeon sees you frequently during the scar healing process (internal as well as external scars).I see my patients the day after surgery, and again at one week, 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and yearly (all at no additional charge). That gives me the best opportunity to positively affect the healing process so we get the desired result. Some surgeons operate, do a recheck or two, and move on to the next patients. Unfortunately, these prior patients sometimes need additional care but don't find out until too late. Bad doctor! Sad patient!So if you're seeing your surgeon regularly, good for you. But be patient--lots of healing to go. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks your breasts will still continue to change. Typically it takes 3 months for your implants to settle in and for you to get your 'final' result however, it can take longer.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

The healing process can take more than six weeks and possibly several months. Important considerations after surgery are massage, supportive bra and time. The shape will come and your not looking at the final result.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Usually, it takes about three to four months for your breasts to settle after surgery, although this really depends on the individual.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow up with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the healing process and settling of the implants.  For my practice, I tell my patients it will take at least 3 months for the implants to settle, swelling to go down and for the implants to start to soften, however it can take up to 6 months.  For more information on breast augmentation and recovery you can download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner at ABetterBreast.com.

How long till breasts stop changing and take on their final shape??

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Answer: Final results

Answer: Final results

Answer: Final shape of breasts

Answer: Final shape of breasts

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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How long till breasts stop changing and take on their final shape??

Answers (7)

Answer: Final results

Answer: Final results

Answer: Final shape of breasts

Answer: Final shape of breasts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.