Will my chest indentation get worse over time? 10 weeks post bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. (Photos)

Question

I have slicone implants under the muscle. About 6 weeks out, my right breast dropped causing me to have a deep indentation at the top. When I flex, I look deformed. I also have indentation on the side of my left breast near the bottom. My ps informed me that I have great results but I am worried that these indentions will get worse especially with age and gravity. Any advice if I am overly paranoid?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You overall have nice results.  This is a difficult reconstruction but you have healed well.  To improve on these results, you may consider an exchange of implants to larger highly cohesive gel implant if you do not have these already, with fat grafting to the skin flaps.  If possible, placing the pectoralis major muscle on the chest wall instead of above the implants may improve the animation deformity.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

After a reconstruction there is minimal remaining tissue to disguise the implants or muscle or other underlying irregularities from your mastectomies.  It is not uncommon to see some appearances such as yours.  Once everything has healed & stabilised (usually 3-6month mark) then I would recommend some fat grafting to disguise the implants & contour abnormalities.  It may be that you require several procedures to gain an acceptable result.  Keep persevering, regards Kim

Will my chest indentation get worse over time? 10 weeks post bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. (Photos)

Answers (2)