In the first week or so after getting breast implants, you might notice some strange happenings—like square breasts that look like they’re riding high on your chest wall. But don’t worry, this very common effect is only temporary and should gradually resolve on its own.
If you’re one of the many women who have square boobs after breast augmentation, here are the answers to some of your burning questions about how and when this phenomenon will go away.
What Causes Square Boobs after Getting Implants?
In the first week or so after breast augmentation, your breast pocket will feel tight because it hasn’t yet adjusted to your new size. During this time, your chest muscles and breast tissue can push against your breast implant, giving it a temporary elongated shape. This is what creates that high, sometimes squared shape that’s affectionately referred to as “Frankenboob” or “SpongeBob square boobs.”
Not to worry, though. This is a very common effect during the early stage of breast augmentation recovery. Over the next days and weeks, you should notice a gradual improvement in the position, shape and size of your breasts. This is sometimes called “dropping and fluffing,” which refers to the softening and rounding of your implants. Once this happens, you should start to get a better idea of what your final breast enhancement results will look like.
How Long Until Implants Become Softer and Rounder?
Around the three-month mark, your breast implants should be very close to their final position and fullness.
So how long does this dropping and fluffing process take? The short answer is that it depends. Every woman is going to heal a little differently after cosmetic surgery. Your breast implants may begin to drop and fluff within just a few days after your procedure, but it could take around six weeks to start to see a significant change.
Don’t worry if this process seems to be taking longer than expected, or if one breast looks like its settling into place faster than the other.
Is There a Way to Speed up the Recovery Process?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to speed up the dropping and fluffing process, and you don’t want to rush your recovery. However, there are some ways you can help your body to heal efficiently so you can see the best possible outcome:
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Your body needs all the nutrients it can get during recovery from cosmetic surgery, and staying hydrated is crucial for proper healing.
- Wear surgical/compression bras as directed by your cosmetic surgeon. This helps to reduce swelling and make you more comfortable during your recovery. Check in with your cosmetic surgeon before switching to a regular sports bra or an underwire bra.
- Take at least a week off work. Give yourself enough time to rest and relax after your breast enhancement.
- Get some extra help around the house. Don’t be tempted to try to do everything yourself right after your breast augmentation. Arrange for another responsible adult to help you at home for the first week or so.
- Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s guidelines for physical activity. Expect to limit physical activity for a few weeks after getting breast implants. Stick to your scheduled follow-up visits with your cosmetic surgeon and check in with him or her before increasing your exercise or heavy lifting.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
