Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

Question

BA 7 weeks ago and for the first 5 weeks I was thrilled. Went with smooth implants under the muscle 215cc right side, 245cc left, because of asymmetry. Over the past 2 wks my left implant seems to have slipped out of place, off to the side. It's not painful but I notice it. And when I am lying down there is a pocket on the center part of my beast which feels empty. The opposite breast in the same area is full. I can also see a slight indent. So upset. Why has this happened and can it be fixed?

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Congratulation on your recent surgery and I am sorry to hear that you have a concern about the implant sliding out to the side. First, it is still early in your course and things may settle out. I would encourage you to discuss things with your surgeon who will be in the best position to assess your progress. If the implant continues to slide outward, there are ways to reinforce the pocket and keep the implant more centered. In general, I recommend waiting until 3-6 months after an augmentation to do any pocket reinforcement surgery. This allows the capsule around the implant to form and gives us something to work with.Good luck!

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

You should discuss options with your PS. It is early in your post op course, and if mild, then training the pocket may be achievable with a supportive bra.  Repair of the lateral fold can be achieved with suturing, ADM patch, or replacement with a textured, shaped implant in a neo-pocket.  I advise patients to live with a little bit of lateral displacement, because any of those repairs can be expensive, or painful, or both.  A little bit of lateral displacement is what the natural breast does when laying down.  With an implant, it can leave some 'hollowness' centrally as you have noted.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

There is always a little room for the implants to move in the pocket which is why they should feel soft and act natural.  However, too much room can lead to the implant migrating more than they should in different directions.  This can be from a number of different causes, the most common being that your own tissues simply cannot support the weight of the implant when laying down and they are stretching a little more than they should.  To correct this requires closing off that pocket with internal sutures and sometimes adding some biological matrix to reinforce the inside pocket.  I would discuss this with your surgeon but usually we allow the pocket to heal for at least three months before contemplating any revision that may be needed.  I hope this helps.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be fixed but may be best to wait until 6 months have passed to allow for other healing. The procedure is easy to do but does require surgery.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Some movement of the implant within the pocket is typical, however there might be an issue if the implant is falling out to the side of the breast. We suggest a snug bra to hold the implant centered in the breast and breast pocket, and let your surgeon have a look.

Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

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Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed?

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed?

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side.

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side.

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Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed?

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side, out of position? Can it be fixed?

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side.

Answer: Breast implant slipped off to side.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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