How long does it take for implants to drop, and will your nipple position change?

At Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, most of our patients are more concerned with what to expect after their procedures than with the actual cosmetic surgery itself. We think this is great! Patients who ask lots of questions about what to do and expect before, during, and after surgery are more likely to be educated enough to advocate for themselves and recognize the difference between something that’s simply a normal part of the healing and recovery process or indications of a potential problem. Among people interested in breast augmentation, especially using implants, one of the questions we get asked most often, and one that came up in a recent Instagram Live Q&A session with our founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Pane, was this one: “How long does it take for implants to drop, and will your nipple position change?” Let’s see what Dr. Pane had to say!

In the case of prosthetic implants like silicone, they shouldn’t drop. Typically, implants of this type are placed by creating a “pocket” or space either resting on or beneath the pectoral musculature. This pocket is sized to fit the implant snugly, with just a little wiggle room for healing and tissue regeneration around the implant. As the affected tissue begins to heal, many patients notice swelling above where the pocket was formed. Usually, the “drop” you see is the result of the swelling starting to resolve and come down. In some cases, the implant may settle slightly, but that on its own is unlikely to be enough to affect the overall implant position.

The swelling and final settling of the implant into position usually takes between 3-6 weeks. Massaging starting several days after the implant is put in and wearing the breast band can help expedite healing and any ”drop” in the implant somewhat. Please note that you should not start breast massage immediately because the area will be very tender and this can actually hamper the healing process. Most patients find they can tolerate light, gentle massage of the affected area at about 5-7 days, moving gradually toward firmer massage over the duration of the healing period. Done correctly and carefully, these massages can help speed up your recovery and create better, more durable results.

The implants do settle somewhat as the tissues within the breast area heal and constrict, binding the implants in place. This is perfectly normal and in the vast majority of cases, does not impact the final appearance or function of the breasts at all. When Dr. Pane places an implant, he centers the implant behind the nipple, which usually mitigates any risk of post-surgical drooping caused by the implant. In some rare cases, patients with a certain breast anatomy may notice a small downturn in the orientation of the implant after surgery. Usually, this resolves on its own as the tissues heal, but in some cases, a mastopexy, or breast lift, may be required to correct the problem if the healing process doesn’t resolve it. He stresses that this is VERY uncommon and most patients can expect a smooth, relatively easy recovery and a beautiful new shape to their bustline when the healing is done.

Dr. Pane notes that at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, we have a very low risk of complications, below what the literature considers “typical.” We always prioritize patient health, safety, and great results by working with the patient’s unique body, build and ideal outcome to create a treatment and aftercare plan that minimizes the risk of complications at every step. We encourage patients to ask all the questions they need to, so they fully understand the benefits, risks, and possible issues which could arise. However, all the education and knowledge in the world doesn’t matter if patients aren’t proactive in monitoring their recovery and reporting any possible issues promptly, or if they engage in behaviors that may impede or compromise the healing process. This is why it is so crucial to a patient’s recovery and results to make sure they fully understand their aftercare protocols and have the commitment and means to fully comply with them. Your results will only be as good as your aftercare, no matter how skilled the surgeon performing the procedure!

If you have questions, concerns or interests in any aspect of cosmetic surgery, everyone at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics invites you to ask away! You can contact us by clicking here or calling (561) 442-4116, or following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It’s possible your question could be chosen as the focus of an upcoming Ask Dr. Pane segment, in which he gives you straight answers, real talk, and medically sound information about all things relating to cosmetic surgery. Remember, at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, we believe the only bad question is the one you DON’T ask!