This Article Has Been Medically Approved By
Dr. George H. Sanders
Breast implants are one of the most popular procedures performed in plastic surgery, but that does not mean the healing process is any less important or faster. As with any surgical procedure, it comes with a healing period and guidelines to follow during the healing process. Your breast implants will begin to look normal, depending on a few different factors.
Factors Affecting the Healing Process of Breast Implants
There are multiple things that can impact the length of time it takes before breast implants begin to look natural.
Implant Placement
There are two ways implants are placed: above the chest muscles and below the chest muscle. Implants placed beneath the chest muscles tend to have a longer healing period than those above the chest muscles, which is why implant placement is an important consideration.
Implant Size
The size of your implants may impact your healing time because larger implants require more surgical alterations to accommodate. This affects the skin and tissue more so than smaller-sized implants, making larger implants take longer to heal.
Your Health
If you have pre-existing medical conditions that might impact your body’s natural healing abilities, you may experience a longer healing period.
Smoking
Smoking constricts blood flow, which means less blood flows to the surgical areas, slowing the healing process.
When Will My Breast Implants Look Normal?
To have realistic expectations, you will need to take into account those factors that affect the healing process mentioned above. You will experience a normal period of bruising and swelling before your breast implants drop and “fluff.”
“Fluffing” is a term that describes breast tissue softening around an implant to take on a more natural appearance. “Dropping” is the term used to describe the process of your implants settling into a more natural position. In general, your breasts should begin to look normal between three and six months after the surgery as they “fluff” and “drop.”. Of course, each individual case is different, so it’s important to communicate with your surgeon.
Common Concerns: Breast Implants and Their Appearance
Breast implants are popular options to improve or enhance your breasts to their ideal size and shape. However, it’s not an instant fix, so it’s important to be aware of common concerns.
You will experience swelling and bruising following surgery, as well as some discomfort for a week or two. Initially, the implants will not look the way you may expect, but this is not a reason to panic.
The process of the implants settling (fluff and drop) will take additional time, and it will be important for you to be patient and avoid strenuous activity that could interfere with healing. Dr. Sanders provides everything you need to know about breast augmentation before you decide what type of procedure you wish to consider.
Steps to Ensure Optimal Healing After Breast Augmentation Surgery
The most important thing to do to ensure your breast implants begin to look normal is to follow your surgeon’s recommendations. Avoid strenuous activities and take medications as prescribed. You will need to make sure you have time to heal for a week or two following the surgery, and make sure you address any concerns or unusual symptoms with your surgeon.
To discuss your breast augmentation procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanders today, so you will know what to expect.
