9 years post op. Should I be concerned about changing shape or does this happen as implants age? (photos)

Dear ThatTXgirl,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question! If your implant seems to be "migrating up", chances are you are developing a capsular contracture. I would suggest an appointment sooner than later for a revision. Best of luck!

I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation. It could be related to various conditions including capsular contracture. Your surgeon will be able to give you more information after an exam including options to address it based on the cause.

It is common over time for the breast skin and breast gland to descend down the chest. Usually the breast implant capsule remains in place or can be slightly raised if capsular contracture has developed over time. The combination of these can be the cause for this change in shape. It would be difficult to fully know what is causing this protrusion in your photograph without doing a full examination and having the previous surgeon's records. The fix for this usually is a small lifting procedure in conjunction with implant removal and release of the breast implant capsule.
Breast lift and breast augmentation are common procedures that I perform, Sometimes separately and sometimes together. Please see the attached information from our practice for more.

Hi ThatTXgirl, thanks for the great questions. It's hard to answer definitively without examining you and knowing more about your original surgery (silicone vs. saline, subglandular vs. submuscular). However, generally speaking, implants may migrate downward due to natural aging, as the skin and surrounding tissue loses elasticity. It is not a "dire" issue. However, if it's bothersome, you can certainly consider a revision with implant exchange. I would recommend a silicone implant (softer, more natural feeling), placed at least partially below the muscle to avoid palpability. You can also consider having a dissolvable mesh placed, which acts as an "internal bra" for added support. Hope that helps.

This is normal aging as the tissue over the implant has thinned and you can feel more of the bag. Also, your own breast tissue is beginning to drop and sag some, but the implant is staying in place. Please avoid push up bras, but continue to wear a good supporting bra during the day and any time you exercise.

Greetings, 9 years after your surgery, you have become aware of left implant/breast asymmetry issues. You really should return to your plastic surgeon for a consultation and an examination. An examination can determine if you have early left breast capsular contracture causing the appearance issues. Treatment options can then be discussed with you. You must also discuss the risks of recurrence of the problem.
Best Regards,

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note a "fuzzy" outline of a deformity at the inner lower quadrant of the left breast (the arrow helped), suggesting that there may be thinning of an area of breast tissue and a "knuckle" of implant has been pushed through into a more superficial position within the breast tissue. Although not of immediate concern, it would be wise to visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and possible treatment if there is progression.Best wishes...