Is this normal for my implants to separate laying down? (Photo)

Question

Hi. I got bilateral breast augmentation back in March. I’ve noticed when I lay down they separate away from the middle line and appears to be missing fat. Here are pictures should I be concerned with this?

John Diaz, MD · Answer

Gravity causes the breasts to fall downwards naturally, so when lying in a horizontal position, it is perfectly normal for your breasts to fall to the sides. Breast implants move with your existing tissue and follow gravity whether you are standing or laying down.  Separation of the breasts to each side while laying down is very normal whether you have implants or not.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s not uncommon for breast implants to shift slightly when you change positions, especially when lying down. However, if you have concerns about the appearance of your breasts or if you feel that something might be wrong, it’s important to address these concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Best of luck !

Best of luck !

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous645435,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! This is normal for your breast shape. Personally, I would've suggested a breast lift with the augmentation and that would help improve the displacement. Good luck!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

It is important to make the implant pocket exactly the same size as the implant.  This prevents to a certain extent bottoming out or lateralization in the supine position. However, some if this is inevitable due to the effects of gravity and the shape of your rib cage.

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

Implant sit against your chest wall in their own pocket. If the pocket is soft and doesn't have thick scar tissue (capsular contracture), then the implants can move on your chest wall just like your breast tissue can move as you change positions. This is normal and nothing to worry. Just make sure that you are massaging the implants often to make sure that they are able to get into the correct position, over time they will want t move down and laterally, which most people don't want. So massaging them up and in can help give them room to sit in a more aesthetically pleasing area on your chest wall.

Jeffrey S. Yager, MD · Answer

Just like normal breasts of that size, when you lie down they will splay to the side.  This is because the chest is rounded, not flat. This causes then to roll down to the sides when supine.

Bao Ngoc N. Tran, MD · Answer

You have very thin skin with very little elasticity That means your breasts will "sag" faster than most peopleThe heavier the implants the more they will pull on the skin and cause sagginess heavier When you lay down, the weight of the implants will fall to the side and down, that's normal gravityThis constant pull enlarged the pocket in which the implants sitSO this is normal but will only get worse You will need a breast lift at some point in the near future

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, this is very normal. Natural breasts do fall to the sides when laying down. If this movement bothers you, your lateral pockets can be tightened internally, and/or fat can be added medially. Don't go larger for this will make the issue worse over time.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's common for breasts and implants to shift as you shift positions.  The weight of the breasts causes the movement to the side.  If it is bothersome you can consider tightening the pockets along with a breast lift.