Do I have a displaced implant? I had a breast augmentation 5 days ago.

Question

375cc saline under the muscle. Every time I take my bra and compression band off to shower it feels like my right breast slides upwards towards my collarbone. It is really worrying me that maybe it has become displaced. My 1 week checkup isn't for another 4 days. Should I wear the compression band longer than the one week I was told?

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's common for the implant to be high immediately after surgery. It takes 3-6 months for the implants to settle fully. In the first 4-6 weeks you will notice significant settling of your implants. Regarding whether to wear a bra, or whether to use the band, only your surgeon can answer these questions. They'll have a specific protocol that they'll want you to follow. In my office, patients to not wear any bra for the first week.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI Robin,Your question cannot be answered without a photo. It would bee best for you to call your plastic surgeon's office and get an appointment earlier if you are very worried.Best,Dr, Christine Rodgers

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Animation deformity, or implant displacement is common with implants placed submuscularly. In athletes, or those with stronger chest muscles, this can be more pronounced. If your implant is moving to upward and to the side with muscle contraction, know that this a trade-off to the superior coverage offered by going behind the muscle. However, if your implant is going all the way up to the collarbone and that too in one breast, then you have to get this checked out by your surgeon as that should not be happening.Please contact your surgeon's team to set up an in-person appointment. If your follow-up is coming up, then I'm sure your concerns will be addressed.Also, follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions as strictly as possible. Whether or not you should prolong the wearing of the pole wraps should be a question shared with your surgeon. Hope this helps.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

This sounds like something you should let your surgeon know about. Call the office and speak with his or her nurse at a minimum to let them know what is going on. Submuscular implants are not stationary and move but not to the degree that you describe.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a photograph or in-person examination it is difficult to determine your particular circumstance.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon and follow his/her instructions regarding compression. Best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This does sound like something that deserves the attention of your surgeon. Sub muscular implants can be displaced with activation of the pectoralis muscle but significant movement is not expected.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants that keep rising after surgery can occur and is somewhat common for patients that have the implants placed under the muscles.  Your muscle is strong and is squeezing the implant which is making it move upwards.  Wearing the band and doing breast massage will eventually have the muscle relax which will allow the implant to settle in the pocket.  This can take some time, sometimes as long as 12 weeks.  Follow your specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Brian M. Kinney, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Early on the implant moves around the pocket a lot before it “settles
in”. it’s not possible to really give an exact answer without examining you.
However the fact that it is moving around may suggest that you have a higher
chance of it being soft because many patients have a lot of firmness early on and
they worry about that. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you
should wear the compression band longer, but I would say probably so. Hope this helps!

Ryan Marshall, DO · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Implants moving under the pectoralis muscle can occur after submuscular placement.  Is the implant moving without you flexing/contracting your pectoralis?  You are still very early in the recovery process, so I wouldn't worry too much.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon at your upcoming postoperative visit.  He or she will examine and advise you accordingly.  Good luck!

Do I have a displaced implant? I had a breast augmentation 5 days ago.

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