Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

Question

I’ve already had implants. I went to a bad doctor and he put an implant that was not the appropriate size or profile for my body type.They bottomed out and I had them removed. My skin has retracted very well and I am going to begin saving for a better surgery with a better doctor. I want to go with the smallest moderate implant but I’m still worried about my nipples sitting too high on the implant or them bottoming out again. I’m 5’3 and weigh 115 lbs. Im a natural 32 c/d. Thoughts and opinions?

Sophie Ricketts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

There is an optimum position of the nipple on a breast, whether implanted or not. It is vitally important to get this right when placing an implant because having an implant can exacerbate a pre-existing tendency for nipples to drift (usually either up - as in your case, or out to the side). If you experienced bottoming out then a smaller implant will help but your surgeon needs to perform a meticulous reconstruction of the inframammary fold from inside before placing the implants to prevent this from happening again. Sometimes an internal bra can be used to 'sling' the implant from dropping.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

I think that you're in a good situation now, but you are right to be concerned that the right doctor do any more surgery. Your initial implants were too large, in my opinion, and the breast looked unnatural. Now, you have recovered to a degree but still have over expanded contours and tissues. You are also much thinner (good thing) so need much less breast volume to balance your torso. If you were my patient, I would use a sub-muscular round smooth implant, probably in the mid-200 cc size range. I hope that this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  XxKatieMayxx,
bottoming out occurs when the implant falls below the current breast crease or inframammary line. It's more likely to happen with inframammary incisions, which is why I try not to use the inframammary approach to any breast surgery.
Bottoming out can also occur if an implant is too large for the breast pocket. That is why it is important to choose an implant size that's correct for your body. I perform numerous measurements in the office to determine optimal implant size for my patient's bodies.
If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you experienced with previous breast augmentation surgery. Yes, it is certainly possible to undergo breast augmentation surgery without ending up with "stargazing nipples".  Key will be careful selection of plastic surgeon and skillful execution of the procedure. As you mentioned, if breast implants bottom out, the nipple/areola complexes will appear too high on the chest wall.    Therefore, careful dissection  of the breast implant pockets and selection of appropriate breast implant type/size/profile will be important.Best wishes.

Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

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Answer: Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

Answer: Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

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Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

Answers (4)

Answer: Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

Answer: Naturally high nipples! Can I get implants without having “stargazing nipples”?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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