Breast Implant Revision Q&A
86%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
154 Reviews
Breast Implant Revisionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implant Revision Cost: $7,100

Learn about Breast Implant Revision

940 people and 512 doctors are talking about Breast Implant Revision

Get Free Email Updates

Implant Problem- One Breast Falls to Side

asked 1 year ago by alexandrite
Latest answer by Rian Maercks, MD
Question viewed 529 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, shifting, sore, stretched

I am 4 weeks post op of a 2nd breast augmentation. I went up in size and to fix asymmetry and a dent in right breast. Now I notice that when I lay down the right breast falls off to the side a little. Is it possible that I over stretched the pocket somehow? When I woke up this morning I was sore on the right side under my armpit and side of the breast. If this is something that just happened is there a possibility that it will fix it's self in the healing process??

14 answers to Implant Problem- One Breast Falls to Side

+1

Breast falling to the side after breast augmentation: The subfascial solution!

Unfortunately this is a very common problem with dual-plane subpectoral techniques. These techniques offer no lower and lateral support to the implant and subject the implant to variable but constant force in the down and out direction by virtue of the altered pectoralis muscle. This is the reason that I prefer the subfascial plane for both primary and revisional augmentations. I developed a modification I call COLD-SUBFASCIAL augmentation in which I am able to protect the... more
Rian Maercks, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.rianmaercksmd.com

+1

Breast implant falling off to side

Thank you for the question. One of the most common complications after breast augmentation surgery is implant mal-position. This occurs when the implant is in an incorrect position on the chest wall. This may include incorrect position of the implant superiorly (“riding high”), inferiorly (“bottoming out”), medially (“symmastia or uni-boob”) or laterally (falling outward into the axilla). In your case, you may be experiencing lateral... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Implants falling into the armpits

If an implant falls too far to the outside when you lie down then there may be too little support for the implants laterally. If you are early in the healing process from implant surgery then you may be able to support this area so that your tissue will grow together and prevent the implant from falling off to the side. If this doesn't work or if it is too late to try this conservative measure then the problem may be corrected with surgery. This usually involves using... more
Edwin C. Pound, III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implant problem

It is possible that in fixing the asymmetry and dent, some alteration of your implant pocket was performed that has led to the pocket being larger to the outer side and allowing the implant to shift more than before. You need to see your surgeon, who knows what he found and what he did at your last surgery, and see what he suggests. I have had patients whose implants went too far to the sides following revisionary surgery and who were able to close off thosse pockets without... more
Robert M. Grenley, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleplasticsurgery.com

+1

Implant Position Problem

If the new implant falls off to the side, this is an implant pocket problem. From what you stated, you likely had some component of a capsular contracture of the right breast. Without knowing more details of the revision procedure, attempted treatment of your "asymmetry" and "dent" may have led to this new problem. I'd also be curious to know how much of a size increase you experienced. Regardless, this issue needs quick attention in case a... more
Brian M. Braithwaite, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant revision

An implant sliding out to the side too far may mean the pocket is too large in that area. Seeing your surgeon early may permit taping and other techniques that can help to get the pocket to heal in a way that provides better implant positioning. It doesn't always work, but if it's going to it has to be done early.
Malik Kutty, MD

Sugar Land Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant revision falling to the side

It is discouraging when revision of breast implants does not solve all problems, and the after four weeks if the implant falls off to side it seems that the pocket is too large allowing the implant to slip out of position. We don't have enough information to know just what was done, though at best you might try to stay in a snug bra 24/7 to hold the implant centered in the breast, and let your surgeon have a look. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant Problem

Alexandrite, you mentioned that you are 4 weeks post-op and are noticing some lateral movement of the implant while lying down. Did you have this before surgery with your previous implant? If the movement is subtle and there appears to be no other problems with the position of the implant then the use of supportive bras and restriction of activity might be helpful. If this problem is more severe, then you might need surgery. It is best to speak with your plastic... more
Elizabeth S. Harris, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant position

Having your implants go up towards your armpit is a bit of a concern. You should see your surgeon ASAP.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants that Fall Off to the Side

Breast implants that fall off to the side, can be caused by several things. One, the pocket for the implant was opened too far laterally, or the shape of the chest wall is like an A frame house, allowing the implants to fall to the side. Prior to breast surgery , it is important to measure the breasts in the standing and lying position and note any asymmetries. Once noted, a surgical plan can be developed to help correct these asymmetries. Most often there will still be residual... more
Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant Problem

I'm very concerned, please call your surgeon TODAY to be seen first thing in morning. Also please give us follow up.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Send pictures

The role of the implants are to enlarge the breast. The revision surgery is harder and especially when patient wants larger implants. You need to discuss your concerns with your doctor and review your original , pre revision and after pictures. Do not expect 100 % symmetry.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Return to your doctor asap

As Dr. Harrison said, revisions are harder that the primary operation and we cannot help you here - only your own doctor will know what is or isn't going on. Please call tomorrow and set up a visit asap for a quick exam.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.randcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Post op concerns

Dear Alexandrite , Revisional breast surgery can have more unpredictability than a primary breast augmentation. I suggest that you call tomorrow and get an an appointment to have your surgeon examine you and help during this healing phase. Your visit will be more beneficial to you and your recovery than anyone can try to ascertain over the Internet. Communication is key. Speculation on your part will probably fuel anxiety and not add to... more
Craig Harrison, MD

Tyler Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question