8 weeks post op and implant won't drop. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

Hi I'm 8 weeks post op and my left breast has dropped and looks great but my right is still high and hard. When do I have to stay worrying that the implant won't drop?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The two #breasts commonly heal quite
differently. One breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a
different initial #shape. The healing process often takes 2-3 months, but it may take up to a year to see the final result.  It takes time for the skin and muscle to stretch and relax around the
new #implant. The breast will often look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in
the first three months. After complete healing, they will be more similar and
natural. You must have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of your #boardcertified plastic surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Based on this photo, your implants appear to be settled more or less at the same level but nipples are still at slightly different heights. At two months you have not finished with implants softening and settling however and incisions/scars will still be tight. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon about any ongoing concerns.All the best

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

It takes 3-4 months for the implants to drop most of the way.  After 4 months they can drop a bit more for up to a year out, but that is a lot less then the distance it dropped in the fist 4 months.  You should follow up with your plastic surgeon at the 6 month post op mark. This is a good time to see if a small revision is needed. I know its tough to be patient, but it could drop a bit in the next couple months. Hope this helps and best wishes.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Stacey,  Thanks for submitting your picture. Side view picture would have been very helpful. From the picture, you appears to have bilateral  level 2 ptosis, more so on the left side.  It takes 3-4 months for the implants to settle, as long as you do implants displacement massage, which I hope your surgeon instructed you to do. However, from the level of ptosis and if you want more perky breasts, you will need a mini lift (donut) at some point.  If the right side does not soften in 3-4 months , despite the massage, you might want to discuss with your surgeon the possibility of capsulotomy or capsulectomy with implant replacement, according to the level of breasts hardening.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with perky breasts and natural look.                      Best of luck,                                     Dr Widder

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Its too early to talk about final results. In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Right now, you are very early on in the
post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable
having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you
to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image. There are many
variables that contribute to a breast augmentation's final result. Preop size
and shape, IMF location, location of the implants and type of implant. Patients
heal at different rates and each breast will sometimes heal at a different
rate. Rest, relax, recover and heal. Express your concerns to your surgeon so
he/she can examine you. Then reassess final result at 6 months.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent procedure! You are healing quite nicely but you are just that, still healing. You're implants will "drop" and become more a part of you around the 3 month mark of healing. It's best to continue your massages and stretching daily. Good luck and congratualtions agian!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, some potential options that might help include massage or an elastic strap (bandeau) across the upper chest.  I'd suggest discussing options with your PS since they will be the best source of advice in your situation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It still may drop some more, but if looks like one nipple is lower than the other on the photos.  Best of luck.

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

My comments are based only on the one picture and that is not enough information to give accurate advice. But, the nipples do not look centered on the implant. This may be because the implant is too high or that the nipple position after the lift is too low. See your surgeon for more accurate advice. Good luck.

8 weeks post op and implant won't drop. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (14)

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