Answers to Breast Implant Post-surgery FAQs

Breast Implant FAQS: What Happens after the Surgery?

In this article, top Troy, Michigan area breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Ali answers your Frequently Asked Questions about what happens after breast implant surgery.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant surgery?

One factor that may impact the speed of your recovery is whether or not you’ve had your implants under or over the muscle, however, this typically only impacts your recovery time by a day or two. Whichever procedure you’ve had, our breast augmentation patients all enjoy a swift recovery period and are typically able to return to work usually within a week or so, and are able to return to their usual day to day activities within 7 to 10 days.

Is it normal for my breasts to make noises after breast implant surgery?

In the days following your breast implant surgery, some noise emanating from your breasts is perfectly normal. Bubbles of air or fluids in the space surrounding the implants can result in a faint sloshing sound, but a few weeks following your surgery, the fluid and air will be completely absorbed, and you shouldn’t experience any further noises.

Will my breasts still move like normal breasts after breast implant surgery?

There are several factors to take into account for breast movement following breast implant surgery. The natural size and shape of your breasts will play a role, as will the type of breast implant you’ve opted to receive. Most breast implants move naturally, as they are fluid and soft. That said, the smaller the breast implant and the tighter the skin, the implants will most likely remain relatively firm, and slightly less mobile than a larger breast.

Will I eventually need to replace my breast implants?

There is a common misconception that all breast implants need to be replaced every ten or so years. This simply not the case. The only reason to replace your breast implants is if you are experiencing any issues with them, but this is not a common occurrence, particularly under the care of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali. If anything, the most common cause of women opting to replace their breast implants is to change their size.

If I have breast implants, do I need antibiotics before dental procedures?

Yes, women with breast implants should be administered standard antibiotics prior to any surgical or invasive medical procedure. These can easily be prescribed to you by your doctor or dentist.

How long before my breast implants drop?

For a short period following your breast implant surgery, your breasts will typically rest slightly high on your chest, and then drop down into a more normal position within a few weeks or so. There are several factors for how long it will take your breast implants to drop, including your breast size prior to surgery, the size of your implants, the placement of your implants, the implant surface type, and your muscle tone. Massaging your breasts can help speed up the process, and it takes less time for a smooth breast implant to drop than it does for a textured implant.

Implants placed above the chest muscle will also drop faster than implants placed under the muscle. If you began with smaller breasts and increased your size substantially, the tightness of your skin can cause a slightly longer delay in the time it takes for them to drop. In some cases, one breast will drop before the other.

You may speed up the process by massaging your breasts shortly after your breast augmentation surgery. You may also wear a wide elastic band around the top of your chest, which will help push them down. The longest it should take for your implants to drop is about six to nine months.

Is it normal for my breasts to appear sunburned and red or look shiny after breast implant surgery?

Yes, as your skin has been stretched out to make room for your breast implants, some redness or a sensation similar to a mild sunburn is a perfectly normal component of the healing process. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali will inform you what your best option is in terms of treating your skin as it heals (shea butter moisturizers are a popular and affective choice.)

Following your breast augmentation surgery, your skin may appear slightly more shiny than usual. This is also a result of the skin being stretched and will dissipate as your skin continues to relax.

How long after my breast implant surgery will my breasts soften up?

The time it takes for your breast implants to soften up is contingent on a variety of factors: your muscle tone, the type of filler, your implants’ surface type, the placement of the implant, and the fullness of the implant. During the short period of post-surgery swelling, your implants will remain firm. Silicone implants, as a general rule, are softer than saline implants, and smoother implants often feel softer than textured ones.

Top Troy Area Breast Implant Surgery

Dr. Ali is a double board certified plastic surgeon, who has helped thousands of women get the beautiful breasts they want with breast implant surgery. He will offer you a consultation so you can understand what the best surgical options are for you. He will take the time to carefully answer all of your questions, and make sure that you have an understanding of the best techniques for achieving your appearance goals.

Troy Area Breast Implant Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200