My breast implants slides to the armpit, is this a problem or something that was done wrong? (Photos)

Question

Three months out. My implants slide towards my armpit. Also they seem way to far apart and sagging. What caused this to happen? Was the pocket placed wrong or is this normal? Is this a problem or something that was done wrong.. How can this be fixed?

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!You have lateral displacement, which is very common. It does not necessarily mean anything was done wrong, just a stretching of the lateral pocket and muscle where it is the thinnest. I repair this with the Internal Bra, my strong permanent internal suturing technique which repairs the problem and provides excellent long term support.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

The implants can stretch the skin outwards causing the implants to slide to the armpits sometimes.  I have my patients sleep with a sports bra to try to minimize this problem.  If you're having this problem, it can be corrected with another surgery.  A larger implant can be used or more commonly internal sutures are placed (capsulorrhaphy) to close down the space so the implants don't have room to slide out.  I recommend seeing a plastic surgeon to discuss which option is best for you.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Several situations can cause the presentation of lateralized breast implants and/or increased intermammary distance.  Smooth surface implants in a subpectoral pocket, inadequate pectoralis myotomies, base width of implants insufficient, capsular contracture, axillary approach to augmentation, pocket malposition, and others.  Ultimately, if you're disappointed with that and/or other aspects of your outcome, review with your surgeon, and consider revision.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about the issues that you are experienced. As others have said, revision surgery would typically include closing down the outside of the pocket with suture techniques. I would speak with your surgeon about your concerns and discuss whether a revision surgery will address the problem.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cristylynn1,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

If your implants slid that far lateral immediately after surgery, then your pocket was to generous laterally.  But if this was progressive over the months, then nothing wrong was done.  Regardless, at this point, to help prevent from worsening, wear a bra when sleeping so they don't fall to the side when on your back.  And if you require more cleavage when standing, you will need to consider revision surgery that closes the lateral pocket (capsulorrhaphy) and the recovery from this is challenging and the outcome not predictable.  I do not use ADM's if I can avoid it since it just adds to the cost and increases risks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing. 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 (capsulorraphy) 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 helps.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Sorry for your problem but it can be fixed!  So see your surgeon or other experts in the area and after a full examination become informed what is the best appproach to correct the problem Dr Corbin

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Breast pocket revision surgery may be needed.  This is rare, but can happen due to weak tissues.   Revision surgery would typically include closing down the outside of the pocket with suture techniques or using strattice which is like an internal bra for support.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

My breast implants slides to the armpit, is this a problem or something that was done wrong? (Photos)

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