If I sleep on my stomach with large breast implants, can that deform my ribs?

Question

I hope this question doesn't sound silly. So, if I have 650cc implants after a double mastectomy, can sleeping on my stomach eventually cause my ribs to cave in slightly? I wouldn't want to end up with less space for my lungs as I age. Thanks for your answers, I hope this question wasn't too ridiculous!!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think lying on your implants will cause a rib deformity and decrease your vital capacity to breathe.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

This would be quite unusual. I have seen mild rib indentation/contour changes from long standing, tight tissue expanders. Any changes in rib contour are unlikely to have any significant effect on your lung capacity.

David Mathes, MD · Answer

I know of no evidence nor have I seen this happen with patients sleeping on their stomach with implants. I have observed flattening of the ribs when under a tissue expander but even this is relatively minor and not visible through the skin. Hope that this answer helps.

If I sleep on my stomach with large breast implants, can that deform my ribs?

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If I sleep on my stomach with large breast implants, can that deform my ribs?

Answers (3)

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