Can Breast Implants drop and move out of place?

Question

I had a breast augmentation about a year ago and I've noticed that my left breast looks smaller than my right one. Also it looks like it sags more than the other. Is that normal or will surgery be required to fix it? Will it cost as much as the surgery did?

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Pictures would be helpful to
provide a more complete answer. If the left breast implant has dropped more
than the right, you may have lost some upper pole fullness in the left breast,
and this may cause the left breast to look smaller.

If you have saline implants, volume loss form one implant
would make that breast smaller, and could produce a mild sagging appearance.

If the left breast does sag more than the right, this is
likely related to the presence of more skin excess/laxity on the left side. It
is conceivable that this was present preoperatively, but not recognized; or
perhaps just made more obvious by the presence of breast implants.

There may be small differences between the right and the
left breast with respect to size, shape, inframammary fold position, nipple
position, and skin laxity for example, that may not be obvious to patients
preoperatively. Brest
implants sometimes accentuate these differences and make them more obvious -
perhaps that is what has happened in your case.

If the left breast does sag more because there is more skin laxity
on that side, and you would like to tighten the skin envelope, then this will
require (breast lift) surgery. The cost will depend upon the work involved. I
would recommend going back to your plastic surgeon to address your concerns.
S/he is familiar with your preoperative shape, your surgery, and can provide
the best answers to your questions. Best wishes.

Mitchell F. Grasseschi, MD · Answer

It depends on the style of the implant.  If it is a Saline implant-there could be a possible leak which would explain this.  Also, did you have any weight gain or possible pregnancy? These could all be possible factors to attribute the change. Once the pocket is formed, it really shouldn't move or shift.  I would recommend imaging and full assessment from your original surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without an exam it is really difficult to say what if anything that you will need.  But if you are unhappy with the asymmetry perhaps this can be corrected. Best of luck.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Breast implants can move out of place, most often a drift to the side when you lie back, or the implant can sit low in the breast, we call this bottoming out. If one breast sags and looks smaller, the implant may be in the right place, though it might be leaking if you have a saline one. A photo or a visit to your surgeon can help.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A photograph was certainly be helpful.  However it sounds as a you have an asymmetry because one breast implant has dropped further or the opposite breast is failed to drop.  This usually can be revised.  Please consult your plastic surgeon.

Can Breast Implants drop and move out of place?

Answers (5)

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