Can anything be done to fix this gap in between my implants or improve my cleavage? (photos)

Question

I wanted a natural looking augmentation with small implants but I am not happy with my result. I had mentor silicone gel implants 250cc's in right breast and 275ccs in left breast moderate plus profile. When I wear low cut clothing it looks like I'm still flat chested from the front. They also stick out on the side. I was happy the first weeks but when the swelling went down the cleavage disappeared. Even when I was an A I had a little cleavage and now it's flat. What can I do?

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

As many of the other PSs have mentioned, your anatomy is going to be the limiting factor. You are quite slender, so above the muscle implants are going to have a significant rippling risk. If the implants remain under the muscle, your pec attachment to the breast bone is going to limit how close together they can be. That being said, you have implants on the smaller side and you liked them initially with post-op swelling. Increasing the size of the implants with medial and superior capsulotomies (open the implant space toward the middle and upper portion, but not make any extra room to the side or bottom) will improve the cleavage. I would also recommend using the same implants on both sides, it is pretty obvious in the picture that the left breast has the larger implant. Best of luck!

Laurence Weider, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the photos which really help to show where you are at now and what you are looking for. I don't think you mentioned how far you are out from your surgery.  If you are still within the first three months, then displacement exercises (breast massage) may help to decrease the gap between your breasts.  In addition, assuming the implants are below the muscle, more time should allow the pectoralis muscle to relax and the cleavage to improve. The skin will relax as well as time passes. However, if time and breast massage don't help, there are still things that can be done to achieve your desired result.  However, they will probably require additional surgery.  You could switch to larger implants as well as undergoing some additional dissection along the medial aspect of the implant pockets.  By this I mean along the sternum.  Of course, over dissecting this area could lead to complications such as rippling or even symmastia (Uniboob).  Moving the implants to a location above the muscle would be a consideration as well, although I rarely use that technique.I would suggest you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  Show him or her what you were hoping to achieve and get his or her feedback.  If necessary, consider a consultation with another board certified PS in your area to get a fresh perspective.  Best of luck.

Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry you are not happy with your results.  First, speak to your surgeon, there may be some exercises and support garments that may help to better position your implants.  Also, a period of just waiting may be a consideration to allow the implants to settle.  In regards to surgical interventions to improve your cleavage, there are several options, which may include fat grafting to the cleavage area or exchanging the implants and creating a new pocket.  In some cases, it may not be realistic or safe to modify the medial portion of the breast.  Ultimately, the implant size is dictated by your breast anatomy.I hope this helps.Good Evening,

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Lack of cleavage is universal complaint with submuscular implants.  Muscle attachments to sterum keep cleavage of breasts apart.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are not happy with your results. I would like to know if your implants were above or below the muscle. Also, not quite sure how far out of surgery you are. At the 3-6 month mark, it would be reasonable to consider implant revision. Placing slightly larger implants above the muscle and slightly narrowing the space between the breast may be an option. I am quite sure that if you looked at your before pictures the distance between your breasts were likely the same. Surgically narrowing the cleavage distance can result in a condition known as symmastia which can be quite difficult to correct later. I recommend talking with your plastic surgeon and discuss these issues with him or her first.Best wishes,Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Can anything be done to fix this gap in between my implants or improve my cleavage? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: For cleavage implants need to be in front of muscle

Answer: For cleavage implants need to be in front of muscle

Answer: Lack of cleavage

Answer: Lack of cleavage

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Can anything be done to fix this gap in between my implants or improve my cleavage? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: For cleavage implants need to be in front of muscle

Answer: For cleavage implants need to be in front of muscle

Answer: Lack of cleavage

Answer: Lack of cleavage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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