One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

Question

I'm concerned with my breast implants. One year ago I had a benelli lift with augmentation under the muscle. The right breast seemed to have more difficulty healing and for the past few months I've noticed rippling and that the breast appears flat. Could my breast implant be leaking? I (surprisingly) got pregnant after the surgery and prematurely had my son in December. The rippling only began happening after I began breast feeding but the flatness of the breast had started long before then.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

You have the typical appearance of a Benelli lift which can result in wide scars, large areola and a flattened appearance.  Although a circumareolar lift is useful in mild cases of nipple malposition, for most patients, a vertical breast lift with a vertical scar is a better trade off to avoid some of the issues that you have. It is impossible to say whether your implant is leaking, but if the implants are firm (capsular contracture), then that would be a concern. You need an in person evaluation.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  I am sorry to hear about your issues.  From what I can see, you have the typical problems associated with a Benelli-type lift- flat breasts, wide areolas, and widened scars.  This operation is difficult to perform properly without these stigmata.  These findings would not imply that your implant is leaking/ruptured.  However, if you develop a capsule contracture (firm, hard, painful, displaced breast), it may indicate an underlying leak, but this can happen in intact implants (usual scenario).  The rippling is due to poor tissue coverage over that portion of the implant.  Perhaps it is related to changes of breast feeding.  The procedure to correct your problem will be difficult to perform due to the very wide scars.  You very well may need to remove the implants and perform a standard breast lift.  Removing the implants would take the tension of the areola and allow the surgeon to excise all of the scar tissue and move the nipple into a better position more easily.  You could then have the implants placed again at 3-6 months.  Best to follow up with your surgeon or get a second opinion if you are dissatisfied with their response.  Best wishes.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry you are having problems. Some on the issues may be related to your breast feeding. However, I agree with you that your breast looks flat. Flatting of the breast is a hallmark of the benelli lift. Also stretching of the areola and widening of scars often happens, though breast feeding would contribute to this also. This is why I avoid the benelli lift. In my hands the verticle or lollipop lift gives a much better breast shape and secure areola size and usually better quality scars. However you  do have to except the verticle scar under the nipple. Discuss all with a plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rippling is related to tissue thickness and coverage over the implant not to the benelli technique. You might need fat grafting or allured/strattice.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello
dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. I recommend you to get to your surgeon as soon as possible.. your breasts has to be checked. 
The breasts may lose their elasticity and firmness which can be caused by
different factors such as pregnancy, massive weight loss, lactation and aging.
To reaffirm the breasts and restore the natural look your surgeon can perform a
mastopexy or breast lift. A breast lift
restores a firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging
breasts. This not only can improve a patient’s appearance by restoring her
youthful, feminine proportions, but  also help bras and swimsuits fit
more comfortably and attractively. By removing excess, stretched out skin,
reshaping the breast tissue, and raising the nipple & areola into a more
forward position, a cosmetic surgeon can create a more youthful breast
contour. Stretched, large areolae can also be reduced during breast
lift surgery, creating an overall better proportioned, natural looking breast, Actually
the perkiness on a person or another, depends on patients skin and breast
tissue, hugs!

One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

Answers (5)

Answer: Benelli and rippling

Answer: Benelli and rippling

Answer: One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

Answer: One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

Answers (5)

Answer: Benelli and rippling

Answer: Benelli and rippling

Answer: One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

Answer: One year post benelli and implant, flat breast and firm scarring. Could my implant be leaking?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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