4 weeks post op, how long does it takes for breast to start feeling soft?

Question

Thanks in advance for answering my questions . Today is my 4 weeks post op, I had 340 cc on both under the muscle and the incision is at breast crease.I started massaging two weeks ago 3 times a day but the breasts are still tight and firm, not very soft. I’m just wondering is this normal? Also my nipples and areola are sore and painful to touch.

Emile Brown, MD · Answer

It is totally normal for the breasts to feel firm after augmentation. A larger implant and a tighter skin envelope will make them feel even more firm initially, and take longer to soften. As your muscle and skin relaxes over the coming months, the implants will settle and soften considerably. This can take up to six months to happen, sometimes up to a year. The nipple sensitivity should also improve as the skin relaxes and the implants soften. Emile Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  Breasts take about 6-8 months to settle completely and to soften up. You are in the very early stages of the recovery process.  I would suggest continuing to massage the breasts and following your surgeons post operative instructions.   Best of luck.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Your experience is likely quite normal. It appears that your breasts were quite petite before surgery and you had great skin tone. Your breasts will continue to soften for several months. Capsular contracture rarely is a concern at this point in your recovery. Good luck.

Brian M. Derby, MD, FACS · Answer

Sounds like you're right on track. I tell most patients give it a solid 8-12 weeks for the breasts to demonstrate they same softness as they had before breast surgery of any type. Abnormal nipple sensation is pretty typical too. They could be extra sensitive or less sensitive - both typically resolve in a few months.

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and your photos. Everyone heals differently and at a different rate. You are still relatively early in the healing process so you should continue to follow your surgeon's post operative instructions closely and follow up with them on a regular basis. Good Luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MK1025,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emily B. McLaughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are still in the healing process so give it more time. Keep in mind it is not uncommon to have swelling. Some discomfort can be expected as your body continues to heal. Breasts may not heal at the same rate, causing one breast to appear different than the other. It can take up to 12 weeks for the implants to settle and you to see the final result. Follow up with your board certified surgeon to address your concern. Good luck!

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Great Question!Breast implants continue to adjust and settle over the first 3 months after surgery. This time period can increase and vary per person depending on the tightness of the skin envelope and size of the implant come. In some cases the implants can continue to settle up to 6 months and even a year.Just be patient, things will settle and soften soon!Best wishes.

Gokhan Beyhan, MD · Answer

It is usually normal for patients to feel their breasts firm and tight for a few weeks after a breast augmentation surgery. It may last longer if hava a less elastic  and small amount of skin and strong pectoral muscles. 
As I make an assessment form the pictures I may say that your implants has began to settle and  you will probably feel more comfortable in about 3-4 weeks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery. The rate of breast implant "settling" may depend on factors such as size of breast implant pocket dissected, tightness of the overlying skin/muscle layers, and size of breast implant utilized. Normally, it takes about 3-6 months (for some patients longer) to see the final result. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.
Similarly, it takes a few months for the breasts to "soften" in most cases.  Most of my patients tell me that their breast implants feel "part of them" somewhere between 3 to 6 months after surgery was performed.  As the breast implants "settle", the lower breast poles will round out (generally improving shape), and the nipple/areola complexes will seem to sit higher on each breast mound. It is not unusual for patients to have a temporary period of hypo or hypersensitivity of the nipple/areola complexes after breast augmentation surgery. The vast majority of patients will retain normal sensation longer-term.
 Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

4 weeks post op, how long does it takes for breast to start feeling soft?

Answers (13)

More Breast Implants Questions

5 months post op, my left breast is more inflated on top than right. What’s going on? (photos)

Is there any long term negative effect of a dual plane breast augmentation vs. regular submuscular?

8 weeks post op 450cc silicone mod+ under muscle, will breast ever round out? (photos)

What could pain 2 years after breast implants be?

Do my breast implants move to the side too much? Is the pocket too big? (photos added)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS