Can anything be done to stop my breast implant from flipping? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I have a breast implant that is always flipping when I sleep. Can anything be done to stop it? I am a pro at flipping it back, but it hurts a little and is annoying. Thanks!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

An implant can only flip when it has room enough to turn on its side, which means the pocket has a lot of laxity or space. When an implant's vertical height (projection or profile) is nearing the length of its width, then flipping is easier. Geometrically, the shape whose height and width are the same is a sphere. This is the situation with high profile, and more so, ultra high profile implants. When you think about it, these devices are approximating spheres in their shape. Implants that are lower profile have a much greater width than their height, and are not as prone to flip because there isn't enough room to turn onto their side. You can have a capsulorrhaphy to tighten up the pocket and prevent flipping, but it will only be a matter of time (a few months? a year?) before it becomes loose again, baring capsular contracture. Alternatively, you can choose a lower profile implant and have a capsulorrhaphy and possibly prevent it from happening ever again. The problem with the latter option is that you'll have smaller implants.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Two factors that increase risk of implants flipping are the projection of the implants (extra-full profile implants are more likely to flip that lower profile implants) and a pocket (space where the implants are placed) that is too big for the implant. The higher the profile of the breast implant, the more round the shape and therefore, more likely to flip and the larger the pocket, the more room the implant has to change position. 
Many women, as you mentioned, are able to manually flip them back manually. For a more permanent solution you could consider having implants exchanged for a lower profile implant or a procedure to modify the size the of the pocket the implants were placed in.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thirdxcharm,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The outer portion of you pocket can be tightened so that there is less space for the implant to move. However, you appear to have large implant which will stretch your tissues again.

Can anything be done to stop my breast implant from flipping? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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