3 years post-op, one of my scars moved. Am I bottoming out? (Photo)

Question

I noticed one of my scars moved and am worried I am bottoming out? I got my surgery 3 years ago and this scar was a little off in the beginning but seems to be worse now.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your implant does appear slightly lower on that side, creating a mild asymmetry. The condition is subtle and probably does not warrant surgery, but if this truly bothers you, discuss your options with your surgeon. A minor revision to reposition the implant may be an option.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

The breasts change over time with breast augmentation. Because the implant adds weight, the skin of the breast will stretch. At 3 years, there is some bottoming out. This is normal considering the size of your implant. I would suggest wearing a good support bra with any type of heavy activity to help prevent furthur stretch of your tissue.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The implant does seem to be very slightly bottoming out on the left side. While this process tends to be very slow, it can worsen over time. Because of this, I would recommend seeking a consultation for a lower pole revision sooner rather than later to ensure your skin and subcutaneous tissue does not stretch any further.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear california430,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Implants on both sides have dropped and made lower pole too long (bottoming out). The way to deal with this problem is to lift and fix lower breast crease (inframammary fold). It will lift your implants and create more fulness in the upper pole of the breasts. This is best to discuss with your surgeon. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and concerns.  It seems as if the implant has settled to it's more natural position over the 3 years since your surgery and it is normal for this to happen to a certain extent.  The best way to tell of course is with an in person exam with you standing and your arms down at your side.  That said, as long as there is relative symmetry to your breasts which there appears to be and with such good scar healing, I believe that you should not worry and just keep an eye on your breast shape over the next few years and if you see evidence of true bottoming out with shape asymmetry then a trip back to a your PS would be a good idea.

David Plank, MD · Answer

A board-certified plastic surgeon is qualified to address your issues. Board-certified plastic surgeons have spent years of training and have the top level of experience and skill. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic needs.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your photos demonstrate that you have some mild bottoming out.  This may be caused from implants that are too heavy.  Be sure to wear a good supportive bra, especially during exercise.  See your surgeon for further concerns.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Scar migration after breast augmentation is common for medium to large implants.  Scar migration represents stretching of the skin.  Bottoming out is when the implant drops below the breast footprint.  Your implants look well positioned relative to your breast so I would not worry about it.  If you are concerned, measure the distance from your breast crease to your scar and the distance from your scar to your nipple.  Recored the distances and remeasure in a year to compare.  Otherwise, wear high impact sports bras when working out and enjoy your excellent result.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars don't move, but tissue does stretch. Yes, you are having some mild bottoming out from the weight of your implant. Please wear a good supporting bra during the day, every day.

3 years post-op, one of my scars moved. Am I bottoming out? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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