One Breast Fuller and Bigger Than the Other After Augmentation

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.

This type of asymmetry after surgery can be totally normal.  Your plastic surgeon can help you determine whether this is a normal part of the postoperative process, or represents a surgical problem that needs to addressed.  It take 6 months for the sizes to settle down.  If all is well, do not evaluate the results before that time.

Thank you for your question and photo. There are various reasons for asymmetry of the breasts after augmentation within the recent post operative period, such as yourself.  Firstly, asymmetry that was present before the implants were placed may appear to be more pronounced as the normal post operative swelling is present.  As the swelling subsides, ~4-6 weeks, you may find the asymmetry less obvious. Secondly, there is typically "upper pole" fullness after augmentation, meaning the implants appear high on the chest which also may cause a distorted perception of the implants. This generally will subside over the next few months.  Then, there are issues such as hematomas/seromas that can cause asymmetry, and this should be carefully examined by your surgeon for management. Either way, you should be closely monitored by your board certified plastic surgeon for these concerns.

It is not uncommon for some asymmetry after breast augmentation surgery.  Sometimes its due to swelling which will subside, sometimes it due to an asymmetry that was present before your surgery.Either way, it generally takes 4 months, at least, for the implants to settle and to get to your final results.  Patience is key during this time for a safe and successful recovery.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and continue with your follow ups as planned and reassess your results at that time.Hope that helps.

Thank you for your question.  I agree with my colleagues.  At two weeks after surgery, it is very common to have some degree of "differential" swelling and some differences related to that as well as the breast implant position.  If the breast implants are "under the muscle", one breast implant will always "drop" sooner than the other one which can also make things look a little different at two weeks sometimes.  Other reasons for subtle differences in swelling at two weeks can have to do with sleeping position, being right or left-handed, as well as the original "breast anatomy" before surgery which is always slightly different from one side to the other.  I would recommend making an appointment with your plastic surgeon and to go over your concerns.  I  always believe it is best to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon after surgery and get his or her thoughts on your recovery.   It is not likely from your description, but also not impossible, for a patient to have a hematoma after breast augmentation even at two weeks after surgery.  This is another important reason to follow up with your plastic surgeon to check for this as well.  Breasts are never "identical twins" and it is best to wait until 6 months to allow the implants to "settle" and see the final size and position of the implants, etc.  I hope this is helpful.

Thank you for your question. You do have some noticeable asymmetry. Did this develop since surgery? You should see your surgeon. There are a few different possibilities; you could have a seroma or a hematoma for example. Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you in this situation, because he knows the details of your case. If your asymmetry persists, you should wait at least 6 months before seeking reoperation.

Yours is a very common question - yes - it is perfectly normal for one breast implant to be higher or one to be larger/smaller only two weeks post-op.  Mild asymmetries do resolve with time.  How long is truly variable.  Unfortunately patience is important!

Thank you for your question.  While I can appreciate your concern, I would caution you from judging your results until you are at least 3-6 months out from surgery and your implants have had enough time to settle into position.  Most patients are slightly asymmetric pre-operatively and sometimes this difference is enough to warrant different size implants and other times it is not.  Additionally, in the immediate post-operative period, especially with submuscular implants, patients will experience superior fullness and will note that their implants appear 'high, hard and ugly.'  As the chest muscle adjusts to accommodate the implant in both volume and shape, the muscle and overlying skin will stretch and allow the implant to settle into its final resting place.  This process, 'fluff and drop' or what we call settling, can take several months to be complete and it is not uncommon for implants to settle at different rates.  I would recommend that you address your concerns with your operating surgeon.  You might want to discuss whether or not breast massages or use of a breast band would be advised to help facilitate the settling process or what other suggestions your operating surgeon may have.  I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best on your recovery!

Hi and thank you for your question.You are very early in your recovery and still have swelling. It can take between 3 and 6 months for for your breasts to drop and settle into position. The breasts may appear to be different sizes during this time.If you are concerned or have any questions contact your surgeon to be seen. Best of luck.

Thank you for the photo. You are still very early in your post operative course. Breast implants tend to start dropping into place after 3 to 4 weeks. They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months. One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through changes. Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please also let them know your thoughts and concerns.