Can my nipples be moved? (Photo)

Question

I got a BA may 2016 I'm devastated by the results my nipples are extremely high and in my arm pits by breast implants are too low imo I'm very depressed and feel awful about my breast I hate being touched and I just wanna cry is there any way they can be fixed?

William L. Reno, III, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are having trouble.  The problem is not the position of your nipples.  Your implants have dropped too low.  This can be fixed.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Looking at the photos you provided your nipple position is not the problem. You are showing signs of what is called "bottoming out." This occurs when a breast implant(s) slips below the natural, or surgically lowered, inframammary crease.   The nipple/areola may tilt upward as the breast implant heads south. The only way to properly fix this would require surgery. I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss further. Good luck!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about the issues that you have been experiencing. The position of your nipple is not the issue. The breast implant has dropped far. There are ways to lift the implant. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Matthias Solomon, MD · Answer

As discussed by other physicians, your problem is a bottomed out implant. Revision of the pocket is the only way to achieve your desired result. I do a technique called neo pectoral pocket. This creates a new pocket / space just above the existing pocket. This new space is created to match the implant and the old space is closed. This places the implant right behind the nipples thereby correcting the problem.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if you are concerned that your implants are not sitting correctly and your surgery was almost a year ago, it is reasonable to book an appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  There are techniques to adjust the position of implants on the chest.

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hi Ashlyn, I am really sorry about the trouble you are having. The real issue is not the nipples but the low placement of the implants as a result of which the nipples are riding higher. Do have a word with your PS regarding your concerns. I am sure he will be able to address your concerns.All the best!

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, Ashlyn93.  As other physicians have pointed out, your nipples appear very high because the lower portion of your breasts is expanded, your crease has migrated downward , and your implants are sitting too low, commonly referred to as "bottoming out."  
"Bottoming out" and resultant nipple elevation, not an uncommon complication, usually occurs when the implants are placed below the muscle as the upper and central breast with the nipple remain fused to the muscle pulling upward while the lower breast and implant stretch downwards -- as opposed to placing the implants above the muscle, where the upper chest and breast skin stretches, and the entire beast/implant/nipple drops together.  The stretch of the lower breast may occur due to disruption or weakening of the infra-mammary fold and/or thinning and stretch of the breast, skin, and soft tissues.  
As others have stated, you will require revision surgery to try to correct your imbalance.  There are a myriad of techniques to try to fix this problem, but all essentially have the goal of relocating and reinforcing you infra-mammary crease, shortening your inferior breast pole tissues, and elevating the implant into its more central and correct position.
This complication can occur in the hands of a very capable surgeon, either because additional release(s) was necessary to try to correct other issues or due to existing weak tissues; implant volume and diameter may also play a role.  This complication may also occur due to inexperience, lack of training, and limited knowledge of the anatomy.  If your surgery was performed by a Board-certified plastic surgeon, then he/she will be well-versed on how to help manage this complication.  If your surgery was not performed by a plastic surgeon, I strongly recommend that you seek a 2nd opinion by a Board-certified plastic surgeon should you decide to consider revision surgery.   
I really wish an uneventful and successful outcome if you undergo revision surgery.  For what it is worth, while it is clear you did not achieve the results you were hoping for, your breasts still look attractive and womanly, and I would encourage you to enjoy them regardless of your decision!

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Your issue is not with nipples. You have "BOTTOMING OUT" implants.What it means is that your new breasts because of breast implant pockets sit below your nipples and make nipples appear malpositioned.  This is fixed by fixing implant pockets and making implants move up behind your nipples.Many times the implant size is also downsized.  You will need new surgery.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the great question! The good news is that yes! your implants can definitely be fix. If you were to measure from your sternum to your nipples, I bet they are in a normal position. What's going on is that your implants are moderately malposition because of how far they have dropped underneath your fold. Have the majority of the breast implant below your nipples gives the illusion that your nipple is too high. Depending on where (under or above the muscle) your implants are now, you should be able to get a very nice result if the surgeon is able to make new pocket for the implant higher on the chest wall. Make sure to see someone with a lot of experience with implant revisions. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD · Answer

Dear Ashlyn93:
      Thank you for your question and photographs. I am sorry that you are having problems.  It appears based on your photographs that you would benefit from revision surgery( capsulorraphy/internal brassiere procedure).  The reason that it appears your nipple position is too high is because the implant is too low. If you are concerned that your implants are not positioned  correctly and your surgery was almost a year ago, it is reasonable to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Always use a board certified plastic surgeon.  The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) is a great place to look if you are seeking a second opinion  Good luck and I hope this helps!

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