6 months post op, what’s happening with my breasts? Bottoming out? (photos)

Question

I had a breast lift with implants 6 months ago. 310 cc moderate profile in the R and 330 cc moderate profile L. I’m worried I have some bottoming out on the R side. Also the L kind of looks like it’s off to the side too much. Any opinions?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

As you can see, your breasts are widely separated, low on the chest wall, bottoming out and the nipple-areola complexes are pointing outward.  The lollipop lift was inadequate to provide the correct lift.  You will need the implants placed higher and the excess inferior skin elevated up and inward.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Straightforward88935,
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 concerned, please check it with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to further discuss your options and possibility of revision.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions and photos.  Without performing an in-person exam, it may be difficult to diagnose what is causing your breast asymmetry.  From the photos submitted, it appears that one implant is sitting higher on the chest and hasn't settled into the lower pole of the breast.  This can cause visible asymmetry with regard to breast fullness in different areas and nipple/areola position and direction.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to evaluate for this and recommend treatment options.  Thank you again for reaching out.

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

Was the shape of you breast different in the immediate postop time? Do you feel the lower pole of the affected side is now longer? What plane are the implants in (over or under the muscle?)It is very normal for the implants to settle and continue this process for several months after the surgery. They also usually are not perfectly synchronised doing so, meaning that during this process they may look asymmetrical but the asymmetry may be eventually corrected to some extent. I feel that important pieces of information are missing from your enquiry. Please keen in mind that there are solutions for almost every concern

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

A physical examination is required to diagnose exactly what is going on. It appears that one implant is sitting higher.  Lowering it would make them more symmetrical. The lateral displacement is another issue which requires a physical exam

6 months post op, what’s happening with my breasts? Bottoming out? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Slightly larger lower pole on the right side

Answer: Slightly larger lower pole on the right side

Answer: Breast asymmetry

Answer: Breast asymmetry

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.

6 months post op, what’s happening with my breasts? Bottoming out? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Slightly larger lower pole on the right side

Answer: Slightly larger lower pole on the right side

Answer: Breast asymmetry

Answer: Breast asymmetry

Browse related questions

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.