1 year post-op. Are my breast implants bottoming out? (photo)

Dear grantke2,

bottoming out occurs when the implant falls below the current breast crease or inframammary line. It's more likely to happen with inframammary incisions, which is why I try not to use the inframammary approach to any breast surgery.

Bottoming out can also occur if an implant is too large for the breast pocket. That is why it is important to choose an implant size that's correct for your body. I perform numerous measurements in the office to determine optimal implant size for my patient's bodies.

If you are concerned, please check it with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to further discuss your options and possibility of revision.



Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures provided, for more detailed and bespoke plan please consult with your plastic surgeon in person.
Most breast implants appear high when placed but tend to drop , usually at the year mark most of them have dropped , at that point the breasts have more of a natural look vs an augmented look. From your pictures you don't appear to have bottoming out , but it does appear that the implants have dropped to a more natural position , you probably lost some of the superior pole fullness that you had right after surgery which is normal. If you are not pleased with your current results there are alot of interventions that can help improve upper pole fullness including but not limited to exchanging the implants, internal bra and fat grafting. I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon so they can come up with a plan that will work for you.I hope this helps, best of luck !

From the photo it does not appear you implants are bottoming out. It does appear that the breasts are sagging though. This can be corrected with a lift. You can elect to keep your same implants at the time of a lift or switch them for a different size if you wish. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

You need to post a lateral view. However, based on the one photo, your implants may be fine, but your breast tissue may need a lift.