Flipped Breast Implant - how can this be fixed?

Question

I have one breast implant that has started flipping. What would be my options in dealing with this?

Serdar Bora Bayraktaroglu, MD · Answer

A flipped breast implant requires prompt medical attention. Treatment depends on how recently the rotation occurred. A plastic surgeon may attempt an in-office manual manipulation to rotate it back, though you should never try this yourself. If the implant repeatedly flips or your surgical pocket is too loose, a revision surgery is necessary. During this procedure, the surgeon performs a capsulorrhaphy to tighten and restructure the internal pocket boundaries. Alternatively, switching to a cohesive form-stable implant can prevent future rotation. Schedule an evaluation with your board-certified surgeon immediately to correct the issue.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns.   If the implant is frequently flipping, you may need to have the pocket where the implants sits, tightened.  Schedule your consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luminous210670,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

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

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Implant malrotation occurs when the implant has too much space within the pocket to move. This can occur as a function of overzealous pocket dissection. It can also develop over time as age and gravity take effect.

This can be corrected in a number of ways with the aim of obtaining a better fit between pocket and implant. An oversized pocket can be addressed by either shrinking the pocket (capsulorrhaphy) or increasing the implant size.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Safa Sharabi, MD · Answer

Hi,
It depends on how much it bothers you. Usually, when an implant is flipping, it means the implant has too much space around it. Tightening your existing capsule or adding a mesh can help with this. The implant flipping in and of itself is not dangerous though- so you can also just keep an eye on it if it isn't bothering you too much.
Sincerely,Safa Sharabi

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. It appears that your surgeon would have to examine you, then most likely surgically revise the pocket. 
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is a common problem when the pocket is too large. Typically in situations where the surgeon has instructed patients to massage after their initial surgery. It's a relatively straightforward correction for an experienced breast revision surgeon. You need a capsullorrhaphy, or tightening of the capsule. I'd suggest seeing your surgeon to discuss or book a consultation with a revision surgeon in your area if you no longer have a relationship with your surgeon. Hope that helps!

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@Luminous210670 This commonly happens with the implant pocket/capsule is stretched out/larger than needed which gives the implant extra space. This can be managed a few ways.
1. You can learn how to manually flip the implant and correct is at home as it happens 2. Revision surgery: by tightening the implant pocket this can help correct and limit the ability for the implant to flip.

M. Mark Mofid, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question. A flipping implant usually means it’s unstable in its pocket (more common with certain shaped implants or a pocket that’s slightly too large).Typical options include:Surgical pocket revision to tighten and better support the implantImplant exchange, sometimes switching to a different size or type (often more stable, like a round implant if a shaped one is flipping)Capsulorrhaphy or internal suturing, to secure the implant positionIn some cases, capsule work (capsulectomy) if the pocket has become too loose or irregularNon-surgical correction isn’t reliable once flipping is happening. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

How do you know your implant has flipped?
Do you have an asymmetrical implant? What are the problems this is causing? Consider reposting it with some information to put things in context.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD.

Flipped Breast Implant - how can this be fixed?

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