Can an Implant Under the Muscle Move to over the Muscle After Nursing?

Question

I am 26 years old I got my implants when I was 20 and they've been perfect with no problems. I recently had a baby and I've been nursing him along with pumping. My right breast feels as tho the implant moved. I'm not sure if it is just clogged milk ducts. Is it possible for the implant to move from under my muscle?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

No, the implant can not move to another pocket with pregnancy, though over years the pocket can change to a degree. For the record, the pectorails muscle and breasts are approximately in the same area of the body except that there is no muscle in the lower outer portion of the breast so technically most but not all of the implant is below the muscle in a submuscular breast augmentation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say exactly what is going on without examining you but I have seen implants move out from underneath the pectoralis muscle.  This may occur if the implant pocket is dissected too low, if the breast tissue/skin moves inferiorly (for example after pregnancy) or following trauma.  It is also seen when implants are surgically moved from above to below the muscle (the implant may slip out of the sub-muscular pocket into the previously constructed sub-glandular pocket).

	Try flexing your chest wall muscle and see if the implants react in a similar fashion (indicating that they are in the same location).  I hope this helps.

Scott E. Newman, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants can shift as the capsule (scar tissue) around the implant stretches.  Some of this is possible with pregnancy.  An implant can't really move from under the muscle to over the muscle in your kind of case...however, as only the upper 2/3 of your implant is covered by muscle normally, any downward movement of the implant can reduce the amount of implant that is technically covered by muscle.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The body forms a natural barrier around the implants called a capsule.  It is highly unlikely that your implant has changed position.

Lori H. Saltz, MD (retired) · Answer

Your body formed a capsule of scar tissue around the implant during the first year after your augmentation.  There are factors that may have caused the muscle to slip over the top of the muscle during that period, but once the capsule is mature it will keep the implant in the same position even through breast feeding.  You should see a plastic surgeon who can examine your breasts and help you understand what is going on.  I would wait a month or two after you have stopped breast feeding.  The examination will be easier and you wouldn't  want surgery while you are nursing anyway.  Don't worry about it now.  Enjoy being a new mother.

Can an Implant Under the Muscle Move to over the Muscle After Nursing?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant pocket

Answer: Implant pocket

Answer: Can implants change position?

Answer: Can implants change position?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Can an Implant Under the Muscle Move to over the Muscle After Nursing?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant pocket

Answer: Implant pocket

Answer: Can implants change position?

Answer: Can implants change position?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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