12 months post op - Do I have lateral displacement? (Photos)

Question

It’s been nearly 12 months since my surgery, and one breast is firmly in place and the other moves towards my side when im laying down or wear clothing, particularly tighter clothing. I have a slightly raised rib cage on one side, so the surgeon said to use 25cc less that side to even out projection, however, it hasnt done that because the breast is sitting to the side and looks flatter. Any advise on what i can do? Because im currently very self conscious about and having to pad my bra out that side so to look more even.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

I am truly sorry to hear that you are feeling self-conscious and having to resort to padding your bra to achieve symmetry, especially a full year after your surgery when you should be fully enjoying your results. Experiencing lateral displacement where one implant shifts toward the side and flattens out when you lie down or wear tight clothing ### Clinical Advice: Correcting Asymmetry and Lateral Implant Displacementtypically points to an over-dissection or stretching of the surgical pocket on that specific side, which can be further influenced by underlying skeletal features like a slightly raised rib cage. While adjusting the implant volume by 25cc was a reasonable intraoperative choice to balance projection, it cannot correct an anatomical pocket that has widened too far laterally. The most effective course of action at this stage is a physical evaluation to discuss a surgical pocket repair, such as a capsulorrhaphy or the use of an internal matrix mesh, to physically reinforce the border and anchor the implant into a more centered, symmetrical position.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RHB90,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

From the photos and your description, I think there is visible asymmetry in how the breasts sit, with one side appearing a bit flatter and more lateral. At 12 months, this can be related to lateral pocket stretch, implant position, chest-wall/rib asymmetry, or differences in the lift/skin envelope. A 25 cc implant difference is a small volume adjustment and usually cannot fully correct rib-cage or pocket-position differences.
The right next step is an in-person exam with your surgeon or another board-certified plastic surgeon. If the pocket is too lateral, revision may involve tightening the outer pocket, adjusting the fold or pocket position, changing implant size/profile, and sometimes adding internal support. Since this affects clothing and confidence, I would ask for measurements and a clear revision plan rather than relying only on padding.

12 months post op - Do I have lateral displacement? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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