I'm roughly 9 months post-op 700cc implants - Why am I feeling pain and heaviness now? (photos)

700 cc is a big implant - meaning heavy implant. Your symptoms sound similar to patients that have large breasts seeking breast reduction - which can happen with large implants.

Thank you for your picture and questions. I think you are likely to have more problems as time goes on. The choice of a large implant (700cc) on an already stretched soft tissue envelope (not sure exactly how things looked prior to surgery but...) has led to the development of what is termed "pseudoptosis" or fake drooping. The nipple is technically in a normal position, but the bottom of the breast has stretched under the weight and led to an elongated distance from the nipple to the fold and a loss of upper pole volume, and an implant that sits in the lower pole of the breast and is bottom heavy. Whether now or later, you are likely going to need a revision to put the implant back in the right position, support the implant (I like to use mesh scaffolding for this indication) and likely removal of the excess skin with a lift/mastopexy.

Hope this helps!

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Dear Intuitive8130,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

Good afternoon,
You have a little bottoming out, which is commonly accompanied by a heavy hanging feeling of discomfort. If it bothers you enough to treat surgically, I correct bottoming out with the Original Internal bra, my strong permanent internal suturing technique. I first developed this technique over 20 years ago, and today it represents the most common revision I perform, at least 5-6 times a week- it works and it lasts!

You have very large and heavy implants that will always feel heavy since they are. Also, you have some mild bottoming out because of the weight of the implants.

Pre-op photos would aid us, however, your left chest wall is slightly more rotated causing the implant to settle lower and more laterally. You exhibit minimal bottoming out with a little less upper pole fullness. The weight of larger implants often lead to asymmetries and bottoming out over time.
If the discomfort and asymmetry bother you enough, then a revision procedure with internal suturing with or without the addition of a support sling (ADM-acellular dermal matrix) may be entertained
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Greetings,
There are a number of factors which can contribute to post surgical pain. The size of the implants can place a heavy load on your breasts and chest wall tissues. This alone can cause discomfort in your chest, back and shoulders. This places upon a patient the necessity to find a well fashioned and supportive bra for comfort. Alternatively, a change of implant volume may be an option.
These issues should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
Best Regards,