My breasts appear to be too far apart, will they come closer together in time?

I just had my breasts done. The implants were put above my muscle. I am worried they are too far apart. Will they come closer together in time?

Answers from doctors (25)


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Aug 05, 2020

There is a normal amount of stretching of soft tissues after surgery that allows the implants to move somewhat in all directions. Depending on your amount of cleavage to begin with and the extent of dissection at surgery you should be able "massage" the implants to move them at least a bit closer. Follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and review any massage instructions.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

There is a normal amount of stretching of soft tissues after surgery that allows the implants to move somewhat in all directions. Depending on your amount of cleavage to begin with and the extent of dissection at surgery you should be able "massage" the implants to move them at least a bit closer. Follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and review any massage instructions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Jul 08, 2019

Congratulations on your surgery. When implants are placed above muscle and they are far apart, the only way to really make them closer is to wear bras that will push them together. They will not come closer together on their own.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

Congratulations on your surgery. When implants are placed above muscle and they are far apart, the only way to really make them closer is to wear bras that will push them together. They will not come closer together on their own.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Patients must understand the limits of the surgery. Implants will not create cleavage in the sense that they cannot medialize wide or lateral set breasts. The implants will be centered on your native breast mound, which may worsen the wide set nature of the breasts without actually changing the measurements. It is often helpful to think of breast augmentation as a magnifying glass or IMAX screen where all aspects of the breast are enlarged (+) and (-).

One option for creating a more central or medial mound is subglandular augmentation. In this scenario, the medial boundary as defined by the pectoralis muscle attachments to the sternum is not present. This can allow for greater medial dissection and by association, greater cleavage (not recommended). However, this does increase the risk of symmastia. There is also the risk of deformity, which stems from a failure to center the implant on the native breast mound.

Ultimately, cleavage is essentially a function of the anatomic starting point. If you have wide set breasts, implants are only likely to accentuate this deficit. However, patients with closely-spaced breasts will accentuate their cleavage via augmentation. Trying to force the mound centrally often leads to a mismatch between the implant and native breast. They must be centered on each other in order to obtain a good result.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Patients must understand the limits of the surgery. Implants will not create cleavage in the sense that they cannot medialize wide or lateral set breasts. The implants will be centered on your native breast mound, which may worsen the wide set nature of the breasts without actually changing the measurements. It is often helpful to think of breast augmentation as a magnifying glass or IMAX screen where all aspects of the breast are enlarged (+) and (-).

One option for creating a more central or medial mound is subglandular augmentation. In this scenario, the medial boundary as defined by the pectoralis muscle attachments to the sternum is not present. This can allow for greater medial dissection and by association, greater cleavage (not recommended). However, this does increase the risk of symmastia. There is also the risk of deformity, which stems from a failure to center the implant on the native breast mound.

Ultimately, cleavage is essentially a function of the anatomic starting point. If you have wide set breasts, implants are only likely to accentuate this deficit. However, patients with closely-spaced breasts will accentuate their cleavage via augmentation. Trying to force the mound centrally often leads to a mismatch between the implant and native breast. They must be centered on each other in order to obtain a good result.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 03, 2016

No, that's what a bra is for.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

No, that's what a bra is for.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on May 31, 2016

It is usually not possible to move implants closer together after surgery. Some women have very wide breast bones (sternum), and the breasts are kept apart because of this. If you lift the breast off of the sternum, the breast implant will move too close together and you risk developing symmastia, (uniboob). Talk with your surgeon.

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Answered by Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

It is usually not possible to move implants closer together after surgery. Some women have very wide breast bones (sternum), and the breasts are kept apart because of this. If you lift the breast off of the sternum, the breast implant will move too close together and you risk developing symmastia, (uniboob). Talk with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on May 26, 2016

Not usually, but ask your doctor.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Not usually, but ask your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kristi Sumpter, D.O., F.A.C.O.S.

Published on Nov 09, 2015

Closing the space at the sternum is largely dependent upon the dissection during surgery. The tissue will gain laxity over time, which may give you a slight improvement. I would not expect this aspect to change too much.

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Answered by Kristi Sumpter, D.O., F.A.C.O.S.

Closing the space at the sternum is largely dependent upon the dissection during surgery. The tissue will gain laxity over time, which may give you a slight improvement. I would not expect this aspect to change too much.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Nov 08, 2015

Thank you for your question. The separation you see between your breasts may be secondary to soft tissue swelling. If this is the case, your breasts may appear closer together as you heal. In general, your breasts won't move closer together as time passes. I recommend you wear a bra that brings the breasts closer together, as this may improve the long-term implant position and appearance.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. The separation you see between your breasts may be secondary to soft tissue swelling. If this is the case, your breasts may appear closer together as you heal. In general, your breasts won't move closer together as time passes. I recommend you wear a bra that brings the breasts closer together, as this may improve the long-term implant position and appearance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Paul Wigoda M.D.

Published on Nov 06, 2015

No, they will not come closer together on their own. However, it may be possible with surgery to get them to come together. Without photos, it is not possible to give you exact advice. I usually try to get the implants as close as possible, but almost always put them under the muscle. The patient's anatomy dictates how close the implants can be placed. Best of luck.

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Answered by Paul Wigoda M.D.

No, they will not come closer together on their own. However, it may be possible with surgery to get them to come together. Without photos, it is not possible to give you exact advice. I usually try to get the implants as close as possible, but almost always put them under the muscle. The patient's anatomy dictates how close the implants can be placed. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Nov 05, 2015

I appreciate your question. It might be early on, but typically the implants don't come closer together after surgery. Also, for safety reasons it's important to not bring them too close together. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery. Best of luck!

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Answered by Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I appreciate your question. It might be early on, but typically the implants don't come closer together after surgery. Also, for safety reasons it's important to not bring them too close together. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Nov 05, 2015

Breast implants do take time to accommodate to the breast pocket. Larger sized implants will take longer to drop and settle. Cleavage width, especially when placed above the muscle, can be narrowed, but it does relate to pre-existing chest shape.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Breast implants do take time to accommodate to the breast pocket. Larger sized implants will take longer to drop and settle. Cleavage width, especially when placed above the muscle, can be narrowed, but it does relate to pre-existing chest shape.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Georgia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Your breasts will not get closer together. Over time, they may get further apart.

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Answered by The Georgia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Your breasts will not get closer together. Over time, they may get further apart.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael Kreidstein, MD, MSc, FRCS(C)

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Although your surgeon may try to narrow a wide gap by putting in wider implants, your final result will depend on how wide-set your breasts were before surgery. A compression band can help to prevent implants from falling laterally (to the sides), so you should discuss this option with your surgeon.

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Answered by Michael Kreidstein, MD, MSc, FRCS(C)

Although your surgeon may try to narrow a wide gap by putting in wider implants, your final result will depend on how wide-set your breasts were before surgery. A compression band can help to prevent implants from falling laterally (to the sides), so you should discuss this option with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Time to talk to the surgeon who performed your procedure. Communicate your question with him or her.

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Answered by Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

Time to talk to the surgeon who performed your procedure. Communicate your question with him or her.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Nov 04, 2015

I don't have photos to examine, but based on what you said, they will drop and fluff, which includes coming closer together.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

I don't have photos to examine, but based on what you said, they will drop and fluff, which includes coming closer together.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Nov 04, 2015

The implants are positioned behind the breasts, and the distance between the breasts is dependent on your individual anatomy rather that the position of the implants. Some patients' breasts are close together, others are further apart. And the implants accentuate that position. However, since your implants are above the muscle, it is possible that, over time, the breast tissue will stretch (give) and allow the implants to appear closer together, especially when wearing certain types of bras.

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Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

The implants are positioned behind the breasts, and the distance between the breasts is dependent on your individual anatomy rather that the position of the implants. Some patients' breasts are close together, others are further apart. And the implants accentuate that position. However, since your implants are above the muscle, it is possible that, over time, the breast tissue will stretch (give) and allow the implants to appear closer together, especially when wearing certain types of bras.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Afshin Farzadmehr, M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

It depends on the diameter of implants that you have and the width of your breasts. Proper implant selection is the key, along with correct dissection and placement.

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Answered by Afshin Farzadmehr, M.D.

It depends on the diameter of implants that you have and the width of your breasts. Proper implant selection is the key, along with correct dissection and placement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


John J. O'Brien, Jr. M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Hello, thank you for your question. As a general rule, the implants do not come closer together with time. I would recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns.

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Answered by John J. O'Brien, Jr. M.D.

Hello, thank you for your question. As a general rule, the implants do not come closer together with time. I would recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

It sounds like you are early in the recovery process. If that is true, you need to allow for everything to heal and settle before knowing what the final outcome will be. I ask my patients to wait at least 6 months before deciding if they need revisionary surgery. I hope this helps.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

It sounds like you are early in the recovery process. If that is true, you need to allow for everything to heal and settle before knowing what the final outcome will be. I ask my patients to wait at least 6 months before deciding if they need revisionary surgery. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles Slack M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Unfortunately, they probably won't. There are typically anatomic reasons for wide cleavage that are difficult to overcome even with breast augmentation.

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Answered by Charles Slack M.D.

Unfortunately, they probably won't. There are typically anatomic reasons for wide cleavage that are difficult to overcome even with breast augmentation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

Published on Nov 04, 2015

They usually separate more with time. Without photos I can't say more than that.

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Answered by Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

They usually separate more with time. Without photos I can't say more than that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Thank you for asking. Without the precise knowledge of your case, it is too difficult to say in a forum like this. Check with your plastic surgeon. He or she can best advise you. Many cases will have improvement, especially if early in the post-op course. Best wishes.

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for asking. Without the precise knowledge of your case, it is too difficult to say in a forum like this. Check with your plastic surgeon. He or she can best advise you. Many cases will have improvement, especially if early in the post-op course. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Remus Repta M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Great question. Sometimes, early after a breast augmentation, the breast implants are a little farther apart, then will eventually be secondary to the need for muscle or tissue relaxation. Significant space between the breast implants will not likely improve as it is likely due to pocket issues or implant width issues.

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Answered by Remus Repta M.D.

Great question. Sometimes, early after a breast augmentation, the breast implants are a little farther apart, then will eventually be secondary to the need for muscle or tissue relaxation. Significant space between the breast implants will not likely improve as it is likely due to pocket issues or implant width issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


William Hedden, M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

Cleavage is typically dictated on where the muscles attach when placed under the muscle, but since you are above the muscle, then typically there is no restrictions on how much cleavage someone can achieve. If you're early, I would suggest a bra that pushes them inward and they should gradually get closer. Just ask your plastic surgeon. I'm sure they will be more then happy to advise.

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Answered by William Hedden, M.D.

Cleavage is typically dictated on where the muscles attach when placed under the muscle, but since you are above the muscle, then typically there is no restrictions on how much cleavage someone can achieve. If you're early, I would suggest a bra that pushes them inward and they should gradually get closer. Just ask your plastic surgeon. I'm sure they will be more then happy to advise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


John Zannis, M.D.

Published on Nov 04, 2015

No, usually the breasts will not move closer together with time. In fact, the opposite is true and with time they occasionally spread further apart. I would speak with your plastic surgeon about this at your next visit. Good luck!


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Answered by John Zannis, M.D.

No, usually the breasts will not move closer together with time. In fact, the opposite is true and with time they occasionally spread further apart. I would speak with your plastic surgeon about this at your next visit. Good luck!


Published on Jul 11, 2012

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