Implants again after being removed 3 years ago - will anything extra be needed to prevent shifting?

Question

Hello. I had my implants removed 3 ago and want to get implants again. My right implant had shifted to my armpit. Will any additional work need to be done during my surgery to address this or is it likely that after 3 years it has healed naturally?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 81818181,

in order to prevent implant shifting, your surgeon should make an adequate implant pocket. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your implants are not in their proper position then this can be corrected by modifying the pocket during your breast augmentation.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

When an implant has shifted toward the armpit, it usually means the pocket that held the implant was stretched or weakened. Even though it has been three years since removal, the pocket does not always close or heal in a way that will fully support a new implant on its own.
During your new surgery, your surgeon may need to do additional pocket work, such as capsule repair or internal sutures, to create proper support and prevent the implant from drifting again. In some cases, reinforcement with mesh or acellular dermal matrix can be considered if the tissue is weak.
The exact plan depends on how your tissues have healed, so an in person exam is the best way to know whether extra steps will be required.
Wishing you a smooth and safe journey as you plan your next surgery
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

all cases are unique but most of the time replacing implants after explant does not require additional steps.  The will most likely be a pocket where the old implants were which dissects easily.  Sometimes this pocket needs to be adjusted on a case by case basis.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your breasts are fully healed from your explant procedure three years ago.  If the pocket hasn't healed sufficiently or needs to be addressed your surgeon can do that during your augmentation surgery. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

The short answer is "it depends". Every breast surgery is different and depends on patient's starting anatomy and their goals. During a consultation, your surgeon should assess your starting anatomy, skin quality, review your prior surgery (size of implants, implant placement), and discuss what you are looking for in considering another augmentation. From here a surgical plan can be determined. It is too difficult to say without seeing photos or knowing more about your particular case. 
However, in terms of implant malposition- with appropriate technique this can be avoided in a second operation, as a new plane would need to be created for the implants to be placed. Find a well-qualified surgeon who can walk you through a surgical plan based on what you are looking for.
Sean M Fisher MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Seattle, WA

Implants again after being removed 3 years ago - will anything extra be needed to prevent shifting?

Answers (6)

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