Do I have lateral displacement? How do I fix this? Will internal bra be necessary? Can not afford revision over 10k

Question

Do I have lateral displacement of my implants (done one year ago)? How do I fix this? Does it help to wear a bra after surgery my surgeon had me completely in no bra for 3 months

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.  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.

Surgeon experience level and technical expertise play the biggest role when it comes to successful  outcomes with this type of revisionary breast surgery.   Careful attention to postoperative activity limitations as well as use of appropriate postoperative support of dressing/garments are also important.
 I hope this helps.

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It looks like your left implant has migrated laterally which is usually most noticeable when you lay supine. This may not be noticeable when you are upright. This is correctable with a row of sutures placed along the lateral aspect of the pocket; sometimes a piece of absorbable mesh (Galaflex) is needed to provide inferior and lateral support of the implant within the pocket. I hope this is helpful. All my best.

Tarek V. Copty, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Dayleeg, 
You do have some lateral displacement and this can be corrected by a technique called a capsulloraphy.  This is a suturing technique used to close off the lateral edge of your breast pocket. There are various reasons that this can happen from tissue strength, technique, implant size, activity and garment choice. The price of revision surgery will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon or if you are not comfortable with him/her then seek some secondary consultations with experts in the field. 
Best regards, 
Tarek V. Copty, MD FACS
American Board of Surgery 
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery 
Jordanian Board of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery 
Fellow, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

This is a common problem especially when you are on your back the implant can move out too far.  It is often repaired by either suturing with permanent stitches the outside edge of your pocket to be tighter or sometimes reinforcing with a piece of mesh to add extra support.  There are many reasons this happens some based on tissue strength, size of the implant, surgical technique that was used, amount of exercise and type, bras, etc.   Costs will vary depending on what needs to be done.  I would recommend in person evaluation by your surgeon or get second opinions.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Do I have lateral displacement? How do I fix this? Will internal bra be necessary? Can not afford revision over 10k

Answers (5)

Answer: It appears the implant pocket may have stretched out laterally

Answer: It appears the implant pocket may have stretched out laterally

Answer: Recommendation

Answer: Recommendation

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.

Do I have lateral displacement? How do I fix this? Will internal bra be necessary? Can not afford revision over 10k

Answers (5)

Answer: It appears the implant pocket may have stretched out laterally

Answer: It appears the implant pocket may have stretched out laterally

Answer: Recommendation

Answer: Recommendation

Browse related questions

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.