Left breast is not dropping 14 weeks later. Any suggestions on what I can do to help it drop? (photos)

Question

I am roughly 14 weeks post surgery. My left breast is still much higher and does not seem to be dropping, even with aggressive massaging techniques. I wear a band as often as I am able, around the left breast only. This was recommended from surgeon. The nurse through my surgeon's office continuously states that this is normal and to wait 3-6 months. She says it's the way I'm holding the phone. I am worried something is not right. Any other suggestions on what I can do to help left breast drop?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question.
 It can take 3 to 6 months for the implants to drop into place & settle into position. One may do it sooner than the other. I suggest contacting your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Larger implants take longer to drop, particularly in smaller women.   Massage can help, but larger implants may take 3 to 6 months to drop to their final levels. Best advice will come from the PS who performed your BAM.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tyner24,
dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!It definitely takes time for the implant to settle and 2 weeks is way too early to get nervous about it. It looks like you have baseline breast mismatch and the breasts may never be 100% the same, but they look like they will be close. Continue following your surgeon's instructions and be sure to follow along with him/her.Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Do you have before images that you could help by posting, as well as information regarding implant sizes?  It is common for patients to take up to 6 months for final results so outside of the steps you have already taken, only time will determine if the implant settles further.  Should it not, a revision procedure at 6 months will most likely be required. Hang in there!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  It can take up to 6 months for the implant to settle.  If it doesn't at that point , your PS may have to widen the pocket to allow the implant to drop.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

After looking at your photos it looks like one may be bigger.At this point I don't think they will be dropping as much as you would like.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Left breast is not dropping 14 weeks later. Any suggestions on what I can do to help it drop? (photos)

Answers (8)