How can I keep my implants from sliding into my armpit?

Question

I had breast implants put in through the armpit around 10 years ago. When I lay down they slide down into the armpit. Can this be fixed?

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  It sounds like your implant pocket has enlarged, opening up towards the side.  This is called "lateral pocket expansion", and yes, it can be fixed.  I usually use a internal suture technique to repair the opened-up area at the side, together with a capsulotomy to re-open the pocket in the cleavage area.  This gets the implant "front and center", where it should be.  But it would have to be done through a different incision that your previous armpit (axillary) approach.Sometimes, particularly in very thin patients or ladies that have had a recurrence, an additional step of placing a reinforcing material (strattice or others) in the area of the sutures is necessary.Best to see an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

One disadvantage of the axillary approach is that sometimes the tracks through the axilla required to gain access to the sub glandular sub muscular space may remain open. The patient to recumbent the implant can slide into the axilla. This needs to be surgically closed.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can always be 'fixed' but it will require a return to the OR and result in additional costs to you.  As your implants are older, consideration could be given towards replacing them as well, or waiting until a problem develops with them necessitating intervention and providing you with new implants assuming you do have a warranty on them.  The surgery to repair your problem requires a partial capsulectomy, use of texured implants, possible suturing or neo-pocket formation, and possible use of a cut out bra for 6-8 weeks 24/7.  Your surgeon can provide you more details on this and then choose what is best for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing, with lateral breast implant displacement. 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.   The use of acellular dermal matrix is an option ( although not usually necessary)  especially if significant implant rippling/palpability is present.
I hope this (and the attached link) helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

YES! Revision and closure of the lateral pocket can be done in another operation, most likely through the infra mammary approach...

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that your breast implants are sliding to your armpit after your surgery.  This can certainly be fixed, but it will require an operation to close off the problematic area and prevent the implant from sliding to the armpit region.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be fixed but only with surgery. Multiple techniques are available.  Make sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon to help you decide how to address this.  You will likely need a new incision to effectively  treat this.  ThanksGaurav Bharti

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Fortunately this problem is fairly straight forward to correct by closing the pocket.  This can't be done through an axillary incision and would require eithera periareolar or inframammary incison.  I would also consider changing to new implants as they are 10+ years old.  Speak to a plastic surgeon with experience in using Alloderm or SERI to help maintain the pocket and position of the new implants.  Good luck, Dr Schuster from Boca Raton

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

Thank you for your question.  I'm sorry to hear that the breast implants are displacing into the armpit region.This can certainly be corrected but will require a surgical revision.  The breast implant pocket can be tightened and restructured to prevent the implant sliding into the armpit region.Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon who is very experienced in revision breast augmentation and can show you results of this procedure and before and after photographs.

How can I keep my implants from sliding into my armpit?

Answers (9)

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