How Long will it Take for My Breast Implants to Drop?

While it’s understandable that you’ll want to enjoy your new breast appearance as soon as possible, it’s important to be patient following breast augmentation surgery. It will take several months before your final results are achieved. As you heal after breast augmentation, the appearance of your breasts will continue to change.

After your procedure, you may find that your breasts rest too high on your chest. This is very normal and should be expected. During the recovery period, your breasts will settle into their new position as your implants begin to drop into place. It may take up to three months for your breast implants to drop into a more natural position.

Factors that Impact How Fast Breast Implants will Drop

There are several factors that will impact the amount of time it will take for your breast implants to drop into place. These include:

• Breast implant placement — There are two different breast implant placement options: submuscular (under the chest muscle) and subglandular (over the chest muscle, but behind your breast tissue). Implants that are placed above the muscle (subglandular placement) typically drop faster than breast implants placed under the muscle (submuscular placement).
• Breast implant type — Cohesive gel “gummy bear” breast implants typically drop faster than saline implants and traditional silicone breast implants. This is largely due to the fact that gummy bear implants have more of an anatomical shape that will fit precisely into the breast pocket, resulting in less movement of the implant after surgery. Keep in mind that anatomically-shaped breast implants will cause your pectoralis muscles to tighten after breast augmentation, which may initially make your breasts appear flattened. Once your pectoralis muscles relax, your breast implants will look much fuller.
• Body type — Your body type will play a role in how fast your breast implants will drop. Women who are more physically developed and have stronger pectoralis muscles may find that it takes longer for their breasts to settle into place. In these situations, massage may be an effective tool to help your breast implants drop faster.

Remaining Patient during Your Recovery

If you’re not happy with the appearance of your breasts immediately following surgery, please remain patient. Over the next few months, your breasts will gradually begin to exhibit their new appearance. We’re confident that one your implants have settled into a more natural position, you’ll be very happy with your breast augmentation results.

During your initial consultation, our plastic surgeons will provide you with detailed information regarding what to expect during the recovery period. Setting realistic expectations regarding the time it takes to see your final results will hopefully bring you peace of mind in the first few months after breast augmentation.

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