Should I be worried about having lateral displacement when lying down? (Photo)

Question

I’m 6 weeks pos-op, I’ve noticed my left side breast is more to the side tha the right one. Should I be worried or is it still to early?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear princess1804,I get this problem all of the time.  Typically, its from women who went with high profile implants.  This is a problem because while they project more, they are narrow at the base and can have widening effect on cleavage.  The second most common problem is incomplete release of the pectoralis muscle medially. Many surgeons don't take the time to make this right.  If you're not happy with your results I would suggest you to discuss it with your plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are still in the early postop period at 6 weeks. I agree with my colleague below that the pocket dissection done at the time of surgery really has a lot to do with lateral malposition of an implant if that is a concern.   I also believe that when patients are laying down, most breast implants want to "drift" slightly to the sides (i.e. laterally).  Because of this,  I typically instruct my patients to always wear good lateral support in the form of a specialized sports bra at night for this reason in the first 6 months after breast augmentation, and sometimes indefinitely. Some patients even get some discomfort at night, and the night support / sports bra really helps.   It doesn't mean that it will prevent lateral displacement which can still happen, but it can be a helpful adjunct to consider. I would ask your plastic surgeon about night-time support in this early postop period.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Laying down will have no effect on the position of your implants. The position is dependent upon the starting position of your breast and the pocket the surgeon made behind your breasts and/or muscle. When concerned, always a good idea to check in with your surgeon.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very early to know about lateral displacement in your case. It is very common breast to drift to lateral side. If it is excessive then it is called lateral displacement and it may be because dissection at the time of surgery or large implants etc. Please continue to f/u with your PS and re evaluate in 3-4 months.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Some lateral movement of the implant is normal, when you lay down. At this point the position looks fine to me. If you have continued migration to a more and more lateral position, then you have reason for concern and should talk to your surgeon about it.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.   Although some “falling to these sides” of breast implants is quite normal when you lie down, if this occurs “excessively”, it may be a concern to patients.  This phenomenon is called lateral displacement of the breast implant;  it may be of concern from the visual and the discomfort standpoints. Surgical correction is an option.In your case specifically, based on the photograph, I am not visualizing significant breast implant displacement.  Your breast implants seemed to be equal distance from your sternal midline and the nipple/areola complexes appear to be well centered on each breast mound.
  Best to communicate specific concerns/questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
 Best wishes.

Should I be worried about having lateral displacement when lying down? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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