5 months post op. Breasts are noticeably uneven. Silicone implants, inframammary incision. (photo)

Question

I have just noticed the past week or so that my left breast is much higher than my right. It is also a little firmer as well and sticks out on the side more. They were both pretty even until recently. Could this be capsular contracture on the Left or bottoming out on the right? I also had a stitch abscess on the left incision about a month ago, my surgeon just said to apply polysporin. Could that have caused it?

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Based on your picture, it looks to me like your right breast pocket may have stretched allowing the right implant to drop too low.  Your left breast pocket seems to be the more normal one. If you have capsular contracture on the left, that breast will be firmer and not move around as much. If both of your breasts are soft and mobile, it is probably the right pocket that has stretched. This is easily correctible by placing internal sutures to tighten up the bottom of the pocket to prevent the implant from dropping too far down.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BirmBA,
Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your recent implant difficulties.  If you have felt your implant riding higher and getting firmer this could be a capsular contracture taking place and needs to be evaluated by your surgeon.  Hope this helps.

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions and photo!  I am sorry to hear you are experiencing these asymmetry issues.  Based on your photo, you do seem to have a lower breast fold on the right side, which can give the illusion that your left breast implant sits too high.  You very well could also have a mild contracture on the left, keeping that implant high and feeling more firm.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to evaluate these issues and give you some options for revision.  Good luck in your recovery and thanks again for reaching out.

5 months post op. Breasts are noticeably uneven. Silicone implants, inframammary incision. (photo)

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Answer: Breast asymmetry following augmentation

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5 months post op. Breasts are noticeably uneven. Silicone implants, inframammary incision. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast asymmetry following augmentation

Answer: Breast asymmetry following augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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