What are some options for encouraging my breast implants to settle?
I am 2 months post-breast augmentation. One of my implants isn’t settling into the pocket. My doctor doesn’t believe in massages or the band. What are some options to correct this? Also, at what point is it safe to have the correction done to help the implant drop? 3, 4 or 6 months? I just hate how they look; it’s so uneven. I’ve been severely depressed about how I look. Please help. My doc isn’t as sympathetic towards my concern.
Answers from doctors (5)
At just 2 months post-op your breasts are still healing. It is very common for one implant to settle before the other. One of the hardest parts of recovery is being patient. It can take another month or two for your other side to drop and fluff. I am a big proponent of massage and the band. I have found this to be very helpful in these situations.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You may be developing a contracture of the scar tissue envelope around the implant.
I place patients on Accolate for 2 mos and it's successful in softening up scar tissue in 50% of the cases. It also allows the implant to drop. Additionally, I recommend they wear a band.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
At two months postop, I would expect that your implants are going to remain in their current positions. I do encourage my patients to massage their breasts but I doubt that massage is your answer. Unfortunately, you are likely heading for a second surgery. I would wait until you are 4 to 6 months postop before returning to the operating room.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your implants are probably placed under the muscle. This is a common complaint. I agree that massage will do little at this stage, but a band may help. The "drop" should be by about 2-3 months. If not, then probably surgery would be your only other option. If it is really different, then you could do this at any time. If just a bit different, I would encourage patients to wait for up to a year.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Postoperative asymmetry is not uncommon. Swelling can be asymmetric, lending to size differences. Positional variation is fairly common as well. Much of this will typically settle over the 3-6 months to follow. I typically encourage patients to avoid passing any judgments until this point has been reached.
With regards to your specific question, there are no guarantees with regards to what will and will not settle over time. However, you are still early enough in the healing period that there is significant healing ahead. Once you reach 6 months, you can address any of your persistent concerns.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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