Replace Breast Implants Due to Corner Fold?

I have a fold in my left breast in the corner that I can feel. My doctor reassures me that this is alright and once the capsule regrows over the implant I will feel it less and not notice it. Folds are part of breast implants. Is this true? Should I replace the implant even though it is just a fold?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lisa M2 in Van Nuys, CA

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Feeling implant folds is normal

Feeling the implant folds is normal. Some factors may accentuate those areas, however. If the implant is too big, if the implant pocket is above the muscle, if you have textured implants, if you have saline implants and they were underfilled, if you have lost significant weight recently or anything else that may have resulted in less tissue coverage such as changes you see after pregnancy or if you implant has deflated. You can go over these issues with your surgeon. Otherwise, it is... more

Folds are normal...

All implants have folds but whether the folds are problematic depends on various factors. If the fold is pressing against the skin enough, it might cause soft tissue erosion and thinning. Excessive folds can increase the risk of leakage due to "fold failure". If it is not seen and only felt, it might be less significant and there would be no need to change things.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

No real need to replace the implant

Implants are soft and I tell everyone of my patients they will be able to feel them through their breast tissue, especially in the lower outside part of the breasts. I very rarely place implants above the muscle to minimize the chance of implant visibility or palpability in the upper inner breast area. Every woman is different in their anatomy and it does take weeks to months to get your final results. It's also important to point out that saline implants will be more "feelable"... more

Consider implant revision

Palpable corners or folds of an implant are commonly seen in women. When implants replaced, very little natural soft tissue is available cover the implant. This is generally most noticeable with saline implants. This does not represent an error the way the surgery was performed, but merely a shortcoming of the type of implant chosen for certain anatomic situations. The edge of the implant is generally palpable in the lower outer aspect of the breast. In this situation, switching from... more

Visible vs palpable folds after breast implants

Read that you had textured implant. Your surgeon might be right to have you wait if your implant was done less than a month ago. I personally like to wait 4 months before deciding what is to be done. Rather than replace the implant, you might think of a couple of things: 1. If you can't see it, is it really worth your while to go thru surgery again? 2. Since it is silicon, there is no problem anticipated with implant wear and tear at the fold crease. If it was saline, one would worry... more

Folds are normal, especially in saline breast implants

Hi Lisa, Unfortunately, folds are common in implants, especially saline implants. Most of the time, your implants will look OK, but it may be uncomfortable to feel the fold. If it is too uncomfortable for you or becomes problematic, you should see your plastic surgeon, as a possible replacement may be necessary. It is important to keep in mind that there is still always a possibility of folds with the replaced implants. In general, the more soft tissue covering a patient has over the... more