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.

William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The healing process can be different in different patients.  It can also be different in one breast versus the other in the same patient.  When it comes to healing after a breast augmentation, generally the skin incision is well healed in a few weeks but will continue to get stronger over the next year.  The swelling in the breast tissue begins to subside after two weeks and most is resolved by 6 weeks.  There may be a small amount of continued breast swelling for a total of 12 weeks.  The breast implants tend to be in the desired position by 12 weeks.  However, the ultimate/final position and breast shape depends on how well the breast implants are supported.  The breast skin and underlying tissues support the breast implant.  The final position of the implant will depend on the strength of the patient's tissues.  An underwire bra helps to give additional support to the breast implant.  Wearing an underwire bra most of the time will help support the breast implants and provide the best long-term position of the breast implants.  Without this additional support, over time the breast implants and breast shape tends to change.  I always recommend to my patients to wear an underwire bra as much as possible to ensure the best long-term results.I hope this helps.  Good luck with your recovery!William J. Vinyard, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPalm Beach, Florida

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question!  That would depend on the tightness of your breast envelope, size of the implant, and approach to breast augmentation.  For example, a submuscular transaxillary large silicone breast augmentation on a previously small breasted woman without any skin laxity from previous pregnancies would take a long time to settle.  On the other hand, a subglandular moderate breast enhancement with a loose skin envelope would allow for near immediate settling.  Also, new highly cohesive gel implants settle very quickly.  I hope this helps.  --Dr. Mussman

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

Answers (7)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps (can feel rubbery ducts by areola tho)

Flat Chested 32aa. What's the Max Size/cc I Can Go? What implant size/profile/brand would you recommend? (photo)

What does this look like? Implant Extrusion? (photo)

How soon after Breast Augmentation may I resume taking fish oil and other questionable supplements?

Is it safe to take these herbs/supplements prior to Breast Augmentation?

I'm getting a subglandular silicone gel 450 cc implant and wanted to know if my breast would handle that size... (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS