Do I have lateral displacement? (photo)

Question

bs done in march. I noticed my implants are sliding to the sides when I lay down and I can see where my pockets are I think. Is this fixable? I am actually quite embarrassed about it! I like the way they look when I am standing up however I had noticed they have dropped a lot which I knew would happen but would have liked more upper pole fullness to stay. (I was advised submuscular would be best for that / me ). Does this look like something that will continue to get worse?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.You demonstrate your concerns nicely. Although some “falling to these sides” of breast implants is quite normal when you lie down, if this occurs “excessively”, it may be a concern to patients.  This phenomenon is called lateral displacement of the breast implant;  it may be of concern from the visual and the discomfort standpoints. Surgical correction is an option.
Generally, the lateral breast implant displacement can be corrected using an internal suture technique, decreasing the size of the pockets and moving the implants toward the midline.    In my practice, I use a 2  layered suture technique to close off the space laterally (towards the axilla). The use of acellular dermal matrix is an option ( although not usually necessary)  especially if significant implant rippling/palpability is present.   
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to this type of revisionary breast surgery), helps.  Best wishes.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi Alicia. You do have lateral displacement which is primarily due to to the smooth shell on the breast implants. The smooth shell has no "brakes" and the implants will slide where gravity takes them. When you lay down to sleep they fall to the side. Time and pressure will lead to stretch of the breast capsule and a more lateral positioning over time. An operation can be performed to reduce the lateral pocket, but switching to textured which will resist gravity in a way and reduce recurrence is an option. Switching to textured implants is a serious decision as they can create an increased risks of rippling and palpability.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Do I have lateral displacement? (photo)

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Do I have lateral displacement? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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