Is it possible for implants to move from under the muscle to over?

Question

I am currently 49 years old and got saline implants 15 years ago my doctor said he placed them under the muscle. When I went to have my mammogram this year the tech told me my implants are now over the muscle. Is it possible for implants to move from under the muscle to over?

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

Hello, it is possible for implants to move from under the muscle to over, but extremely unlikely. I have seen it happen, but only on one side. More than likely, the doctor may be mistaken about the placement. Or the mammogram tech is mistaken about the position. I would wait for the final mammogram reading from the Radiologist to determine what position your implants are in. Best of luck!

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! When implants are placed "under the muscle" the most common technique is actually a "dual plane" technique whereby a portion of the pec major muscle is "lifted up" in order to accomodate a space for the implant between the muscle and the chest wall. The implant ends up with its top portion covered by the muscle (actual percentage variable dependent on patient and technique variation) and in the bottom portion it is actually not covered by muscle but only by the breast tissues. Over time, changes in age, hormones, tissue quality and gravity in general will result in the breast tissues sagging. It is possible for the implant to descend downwards as well. It is speculation, but your implant may only be minimally covered or now not at all covered in its top portion by the muscle depending on the degree of these changes and this is why imaging may show "no muscle" in front of the implant. The question of "moving/flipping" from under to above the muscle is not very likely as the the breast tissue connections to the muscle below it would need to be surgically separated to create a true pocket/space for an implant.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rrollins06,
it is hard to tell without an examination, but generally speaking it is possible for implants to move. If you are concerned, you should visit plastic surgeon and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
I have never heard of or seen implants flip from over the muscle to under without surgical intervention. You surgeon likely placed them over the muscle.
The mammogram tech could have possibly made a mistake as well.
You can try and flex your pec muscles to see if the implants move, if they move they are likely under the muscle. A quick consult or visit to any plastic surgeon and they will be able to tell you
All the best

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

A normal fibrous capsule forms as early as 3 weeks after surgery around the implant, a fact which would prevent the implant to move from one space (behind the muscle) to a completely new space (above the muscle). Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Is it possible for implants to move from under the muscle to over?

Answers (7)

Answer: No, not without surgery

Answer: No, not without surgery

Answer: No

Answer: No

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Is it possible for implants to move from under the muscle to over?

Answers (7)

Answer: No, not without surgery

Answer: No, not without surgery

Answer: No

Answer: No

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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