My left breast implant feels like it is popping out from the muscle. Is this possible? Should it be replaced?

Question

When I move my breast implants from side to side on my right side, it feels like it is safe in a pocket or between the muscle. But when I move the left breast from side to side, it feels like the implant it popping out of the muscle toward bottom of the armpit. Does this mean that it is coming out or popping out of the muscle where it should be attached?

Suzanne M. Quardt, MD · Answer

I would encourage you to schedule a visit with a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon immediately to determine the exact source of your
discomfort.  You will certainly require a
clinical examination and may also require additional imaging studies such as an
ultrasound, mammogram, and/or MRI.  If
these indicate a rupture, your surgeon will likely encourage you to proceed
with surgery.

Edward S. Gronka, MD · Answer

If you have a smooth surfaced implant, it won't be attached to the tissue. The pocket that the implant sits in may be stretched out and the implant is sliding in the pocket too far to the side.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have an implant malposition problem.  With the implant falling off latterly when you lay down. This is due to it overstretching of the capsule. It is not a muscular problem. The surgical correction this would involve a capsule pixie or narrowing the lateral margin of the pocket.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Please seek IN PERSON examination of your implants to see if displacement has occurred. See your surgeon soon.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

This is something your surgeon will have to see in person to be able to make a reasonable assessment of the situation.  If the implant pocket is too big you may need a revision to control the position of the implant.

My left breast implant feels like it is popping out from the muscle. Is this possible? Should it be replaced?

Answers (5)