Implant revision - can I have 2 implants that are the same height and appearance?

Question

I am a 71 year old female that had triple negative breast cancer. In November 2021 I had a bilateral mastectomy and expanders put in. In July 2022 the expanders were replaced with implants and then in Feb. 2023 the 1 implant was replaced due to it drooping. Now 8 months later the one that was replaced in Feb. has decided to droop more then it did prior to the surgery in Feb. I would really like to have 2 that are the same height and appearance. Is that even a possibility or not?

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Yes. Implants that have 'dropped' can be supported back in position with the assistance of an internal bra. This internal bra can come in a variety of different forms. An option that I use commonly is made of the same maternal as dissolving stitches and acts as a scaffold to support the implant in place. This scaffold is then replaced by your body's collagen over time to create a strong layer of support to keep both of your implants sitting at the same height.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

After mastectomy and reconstruction with expanders and implants, the only thing holding the implants in place is usually the skin envelope.  The weight of the implant is causing it to droop.  You can try smaller implants or try to reinforce the implant with artificial material or use autogenous reconstruction such as using your abdomen or other sites for reconstruction.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Amer Nassar, MD · Answer

Hi Deb,
Yes this is possible. Your implant has fallen as it is malpositioned on your chest wall. That is common after breast reconstruction surgery. The best option is to find a breast reconstruction plastic surgeon who is comfortable doing Ryan Flaps. These are procedures where the implant pocket is reconstructed in a way that helps prevent the implant from falling back down in the future.
Hope this helps
Kind regads,Amer
Amer H. Nassar, M.D.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Implant revision - can I have 2 implants that are the same height and appearance?

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Implant revision - can I have 2 implants that are the same height and appearance?

Answers (3)

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