Breast Implants: Q&A

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Possile To Have a Defective Gel Implant? One Is Droopy and Hanging 7 Months PO. (photo)

I had cohesive gel implants in July 2011. At 6 weeks, I noticed the right breast was much droopier than the left. I was told this was normal difference and to not be so "picky". Now the right implant "hangs" very heavily, has dropped below the incision line and slid sideways. It is flatter than the right and too soft. It feels like a sack of mud. I still have a lot of pain in the chest muscles on the right. Could it be ruptured? My surgeon pretty much threw a tantrum when I asked him.

Update 1/9/12

Since there was ? re:my breasts B4 surgery, here is a picture. My breasts had sag and loss of volume, but they were symmetrical and pretty. At 7 mos PO, I have a sagging, displaced implant and constant chest pain. When I lay down I can feel the implant rolling to the side of my rib cage, and has dropped even more in the last few weeks. I was calm when I asked my surgeon about this; he was instantly angry and defensive. I am paying OOP for an MRI to R/O rupture. I don't know what else to do.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tatiana_77 in Flint, MI

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

This is not due to a defective implant!

Tatiana, thanks for the photos and detailed description. You have accurately described your asymmetries, but have come up with an entirely incorrect "reason" for what you see. You have focused on your right breast as having the problems, and obviously prefer the feel and appearance of your left breast. It does appear as if your right breast lift may have been slightly "looser" than your left, but by your photograph and description, I believe you may actually have a... more

Get A Second Opinion If Not Happy

I do not think that a ruptured implant is responsible for your asymmetry. I would recommend a second opinion if you are unhappy and displeased with your surgeon's response to your concerns. "Throwing a tantrum" is not an acceptable response to a patient's concerns.

Asymmetry after augmentation/mastopexy

You definitely have asymmetry: the breast on right in the photo (mirror image?) has a lower fold position and has more skin between the nipple and the crease. The nipple is also a little lower. This is NOT due to an implant problem but to an issue of excess skin on that side. Everyone always has some breast asymmetry, but when it becomes a distraction then it should be corrected. I am sorry to hear your surgeon was too egotistical to properly respond to your... more

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Probably not only an implant problem

Dear Tatiana, thanks for so nicely documenting your problem. I guess you took the pictures in the mirror. Most likely your right implant indeed is sitting lower and more to the side than the left one, but I have the impression the lifting has been done tighter on the left hand side as well, which emphasizes the asymmetry. My solution to this problem would be to replace the implants with polyurethane covered ones, which adhere almost instantly to the surrounding tissues, ensuring a... more

Defective Breast Implant?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on the pictures and description I think it is more likely that you have an issue with breast implant displacement ( inferiorly and laterally) as opposed to a “defective gel implant”. It is probable that a revision breast augmentation/mastopexy operation will be necessary to correct the implant displacement and to improve symmetry. To rule out a breast implant leak an MRI would be necessary. I would suggest... more

You need second opinion and in person examination

You may have capsular contracture which is very common post implant replacement for ruptured silicone implants. I do not think you have ruptured implant. You left breast has capsular contracture and that is the reason for the firmness. The other issue is the excess skin over both breasts and possible need for lift revision.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Possile To Have a Defective Gel Implant? One Is Droopy and Hanging 7 Months PO. (photo)

Great question and posted photos. Very hard to determine the causes. Best to return to your surgeon request MRI of breasts. Either you have a rupture of the right vs a capsular fibrosis of the left. The best non invasive examine is the MRI. Please lets us know the results and outcome.

Implants

Based on the middle picture, I would say that the breasts look within reasonable position. Yes, it is slightly lateral and if one wants to be picky you can say so, but to adjust that even with suturing techniques may not completely adjust that long term.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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