Is it normal for my implants to shift this much when I lay down? (Photo)

Question

I am post 2.5 months since my surgery. I feel like when I lay down my breast implants shift too much to the side. I asked my surgeon if this was normal and he said it is. But I feel like too much of it shifts and I feel flat chested when I lay down. I have 350/325 CC silicone implants under the muscle. Also not sure if this matters but my doctor didn’t give me a post surgery bra because he prefers not to go that route.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi anna305, Thank you for the question and photos. Based on the photos, it appears that you are experiencing lateral displacement. While in some cases, this can be normal. Some women find it bothersome and uncomfortable. You should speak with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and your options to correct this. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and photographs.
From your pictures, it appears that you are experiencing mild lateral
displacement. This situation, characterized by the breast implants moving away from the median of the chest, depends on the
individual patient, size of breast skin envelope and the type of implants used.
Women with large natural breasts have their breasts fall to the side when they
lay down. If this problem continues to bother you, I suggest reaching out to
your operating surgeon for his/her advice.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Although some “falling to the 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. Surgical correction is an option (it is certainly not a "necessity").

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 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.  Recurrence of the lateral breast implant displacement is a potential risk associated with the procedure.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not to proceed with revisionary breast surgery:  weighing  the degree of concern you have with your current situation against the potential risks/complications associated with additional surgery will be an important part of the decision-making process.

Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If you are so unhappy with what appears asa very very nice result the ONLY option is revisional surgery. But you must comprehend there are increased risks of complications when you try to repair very moderate lateral displacement of implants. In general terms the results far out weigh the risks to repair!

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi darling.. Thank you for your question and the provided pictures.This is normal after having breast implants surgery, it depends on the implant size and the way it settles to your tissue. If you don't feel comfortable with the results I'd suggest discussing it with your PS who can give you a better assessment and solution.Hope this helps!Dr. Jiménez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Is it normal for my implants to shift this much when I lay down? (Photo)

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Is it normal for my implants to shift this much when I lay down? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Is it normal for my implants to shift this much when I lay down? (Photo)

Answer: Is it normal for my implants to shift this much when I lay down? (Photo)

Answer: Breast Implants

Answer: Breast Implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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