5 weeks post op with 530cc high profile round silicone implants. 11 years after reduction & lift. Why do they sit low? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am 5 weeks post-op with 530cc high profile round silicone implants. I had a reduction and lift 11 years ago and am now concerned by how low my implants sit and that the implants are dropping below my original scars. And that the shape of my breast are beginning to look different than on another. Why do they sit so low? I was hoping for higher, more youthful and fuller on top without sacificing a natural look. I would appreciate any guidance. I am concerned I needed a lift as well? I pro

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,There are many reasons you got this result: 1. The implants are ball shaped and non-form stable, so the don't have a lot of upper pole reach. 2. The implants are likely smooth, and certainly large. Combining this with someone who has skin laxity, makes for an implant that will drop out into the bottom of the pocket quickly. 3. There is the possibility that the surgeon made a larger pocket than necessary. Unfortunately, you are early in  your healing, and  you are likely going to drop out lower. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision surgery. You'd be a great candidate for form stable, highly cohesive and shaped implants. Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think that overall, you have a relatively nice result. The position of the implant is likely the position of your breast before surgery. If you were looking for upper pole fullness then you might have been better served with a wider, less projected implant but this is hard to suppose without knowing your measurements and details. You do have some degree of pseudoptosis where the distance from the nipple to the fold is elongated and stretched and this can be common with previously lift patients. This will likely not improve, but will worsen with time, and may eventually need a revision to correct. Make sure you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Hope this helps!

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

This could be a result of the implants being too large to be supported by the tissues of the lower pole of the breast. These tissues (lower pole of the breasts below the nipple/areola) were divided with your reduction and again disrupted with the placement of large breast implants.
You might consider smaller textured implants placed beneath the muscle should you decide on a revision.

Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like there is an excess of lower pole breast skin that may be treated by excising a wedge of skin from beneath the breast.  I would definitley wait at least 6 months before any intervention.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos, you have excessive breast skin and soft tissue in the lower pole of your breast. Your implant is stretching out this tissue. I would guess that the distance from your infra-mammary fold to your nipple is longer than 10 cm - which indicates to me that you need a revision of your breast lift.

5 weeks post op with 530cc high profile round silicone implants. 11 years after reduction & lift. Why do they sit low? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Postop

Answer: Postop

Answer: Breast reduction followed by augmentation may years later

Answer: Breast reduction followed by augmentation may years later

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

5 weeks post op with 530cc high profile round silicone implants. 11 years after reduction & lift. Why do they sit low? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Postop

Answer: Postop

Answer: Breast reduction followed by augmentation may years later

Answer: Breast reduction followed by augmentation may years later

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.