Alright, there is no frankenboob monster, although the phenomena definitely can feel like a nightmare for those who are not prepared for it post breast augmentation surgery. Unfortunately, like most things in life, all good things come to those who wait. Or to quote Pantene, ‘It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen’.
For breast augmentation surgery this is especially true. Just because you have had your surgery does not mean you will have amazing looking, perfect breasts. Nope, it really is a process. A process called ‘The DROP and FLUFF’ or D&F for all the savvy folk who are down with the lingo.
So yes, back to frankeboob. Well, frankenboob or square boobs occurs immediately post breast augmentation surgery and is characterised by high square looking breasts with low sitting nipples. This square boob look is less then flattering and can be prevalent in some people more than others.
Submuscular and dual plane placement are likely to result in a more obvious looking frankenboob effect. This is so, because the implant is being held in a high position by the pectoral muscle. Contributing to this look is the fact that there is inevitable trauma to the pectoral muscle when dissecting the breast pocket and the resulting swelling will only exacerbate the squareness.
If you have sub glandular or sub facial placement, you too may also suffer from the dreaded frankenboob, although it will usually be milder and for a shorter duration. This is so, because the implants are usually placed higher in the breast pocket so they can ‘drop’ into place.
The frankenboob effect can last anywhere from 2-6 months or even longer. If after 12 months your implants are still sitting too high, revision surgery may be necessary. It is important to keep in regular contact with your surgeon post op so they can assess the rate that your implants are dropping into the pocket. Some patients require some extra help to get the implant down, either through a targeted method of breast massage, a strap to wear around the breasts, or a combination of both.
The take home message here is to remember not to be alarmed if you wake up out of surgery and do not love your new breasts. They may appear smaller then you anticipated because of the frankenboob effect or bigger then you anticipated due to more swelling.
Frankenboob will usually resolve on its own and is a normal part of the breast aug process. The breasts undergo a huge amount of changes in the months to follow and will take on a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance.