Do I have lateral implant displacement? (Photos)

Hi there and thank you for your questionI am afraid I need to offer a different comment from those previously.Unfortunately your photos do not appear to be with you standing up so it is difficult to comment honestly (and ideally an in-person consult is always best)It would be great to see your preoperative photos and remark upon the appearance of your chest wall and whether you had any divergence of your nipples in the first place and indeed comment on the width of your sternumIn actual fact your implants look to be centred appropriately to your nipple so if they were too lateral your nipples would appear more medial (?hope this makes sense)Many girls unfortunately have a wide sternum and divergent nipples pre-operatively and it is important to point this out to avoid any misunderstandings.However, to answer your question, over time the breasts do soften and move and the big question is whether this is normal or not. Do see your surgeon and discuss further.Good luck!

Dear cristina.93.,
based on your photos, it looks like you might have lateral implant displacement. In most cases it is caused by too wide implant pocket. If you're not happy with your results I would suggest you to discuss it with your plastic surgeon or ask for a second opinion. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You do appear to have lateral malposition of your implants. I think that you would be much happier if you could have a revision surgery called a capsulorrhaphy in which the capsule of the pocket is tightened, usually with sutures, to secure the lateral wall of the pocket and prevent the lateral displacement of the implants. Your implants are an appropriate size for your body and should not move as much as you demonstrate especially only 6 months after surgery. 

Hi there,It’s impossible to make a clinical assessment without a clinical examination. Thee photos are all in the supine lying position. The implants depending on size, chest shape and pockets created do move a little. It would be reasonable to discuss this wiht your PS.

Thank you for the question.
 
You demonstrate your concerns nicely. 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.
Generally, the lateral breast implant displacement can be corrected using an internal suture technique, decreasing the size of the pockets and moving the implants toward the midline.   In my practice, I use a 2 layered suture technique (capsulorraphy) to close off the space laterally (towards the axilla). The use of acellular dermal matrix is an option (although not usually necessary) especially if significant implant rippling/palpability is present.
 Surgeon experience level and technical expertise play the biggest role when it comes to successful  outcomes with this type of revisionary breast surgery.   Careful attention to postoperative activity limitations as well as use of appropriate postoperative support of dressing/garments are also important.
 I hope this helps.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind