My nipples are pointing outward. Will they settle and eventually point straight ahead? (Photo)

Question

I had my first set of saline implants in 2007. I am 4 days post op from replacing them with silicone implants with bilateral pocket closures. I don't remember clearly how they looked this soon after for my first set. I'm concerned because my nipples are pointing outward and there isn't much roundness on the outside. I'm sitting up in this picture, but it looks the same when I am standing straight up. Will they stay like this or move inward and straighter?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jassiem24,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process at 4 days  post op.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Think of the nipple-areola is part of the skin envelope of the breast, so its position does not change as implant are moved. This can create the appearance that they are to the side. Changing nipple position requires some version of a lift even if they are moved sideways and not up.

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

After 4 days it is impossible to say what will happen with the shape of the breast. That being said if you had closure of the pocket near the armpit it is not uncommon for the nipple to point out until everything heals and settles. Follow closely with your surgeon to monitor your progress.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

You are very early in the post operative period.  I see that the left breast implant has more fullness at this time towards the mid line (cleavage).  The implants will adjust over time especially with bras that are designed to push the implants down and in.  If the final position of the implants is not what is desired then a breast lift may need to be done.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Your nipple position and lateral flatness is due to the work that was done to tighten your capsule laterally and to keep your new implant out of your arm pits.  The flatness will usually round out and the nipple position may improve with time.

Gary W. Cox, MD · Answer

Hi.   It is very early in the post op phase.   Allow some time for things to heal and mature before assessing your outcome too closely.   Continue to follow up with your doctor and maintain an open dialogue.   Good luck.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi, You seem to have some asymmetry of the nipples and when you say they are pointing outward, then that position would have existed pre op also.  You might not remember that part so look at your pre op pictures and you will see this.  An exchange without a nipple complex movement such as in a breast lift will NOT change the nipple position no matter what size implant is used.  You need to ask your p.s. about your concerns and if a nipple complex movement is what you want, talk about that too.

My nipples are pointing outward. Will they settle and eventually point straight ahead? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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