Why Do My Breasts Look Funny Right After Getting Implants And A Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a combined breast lift with implants nearly 5 days ago. My recovery is going well I think, however, the appearance of my breasts concerns me.  I've attached two photos (front & side view).  My concern is that my breasts are oblong with a definite, large “indentation” above the nipple.  In the photos, you see the implant sitting high, then a big indentation above what, I think, is my own breast tissue below.  This seems abnormal to me.  My breast shape looks kind of like an eggplant. Is this a cause for concern? 

A:  When undergoing a combined breast implant and lift for severe breast sagging, the early appearance can be disturbing. This is because the implants often ride early and in conjunction with swelling can push the breast tissue forward and down. This creates the exact appearance that you are seeing. It is important to remember that it is early and many changes will take place. One of those is that the implants will drop. This can be helped by wearing a breast band to encourage the implants to move south into the bottom that has been created for them. Putting gentle sustained pressure on the upper pole of the breasts will help the bottom tissues to expand and allow the implants to drop. It will take 6 to 8 weeks before you have a clear idea as to how much dropping they are going to do. They will definitely drop, it is just a matter of how much. Once that happens the breast tissue in front of them will move up into a better position on the implants.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana