Left breast implant (subglandular) never dropped into place but feels soft and squishy - advice? (photos)

Question

My left implant is higher than my right. Most visible when I lift my arms; my left breast pulls up and makes a different shape. The fold of my left breast is directly on the incision, whereas the fold on my right breast has dropped lower. They put me on Singulair but I want other opinions before I start meds. I have 255cc implants, subglandular—both feel soft/squishy, but my left never dropped into position beneath the incision despite fluffing. Is this definitely a capsular scar issue?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! It looks as though you still have steri-strips on unless these are old photos. If they are newer photos, you are still early in the post-op period. However, capsular contracture tends to happen more in subglandular augments. I would follow your surgeon's instructions. Good luck!

George Bitar, MD · Answer

There are a few reasons if the implants are in different positions after surgery.  The most common is that you are still recovering.  Based on your photographs, it is difficult to tell how far out from surgery you are.  It may take 3-6 months for implants to settle into their final positions.  If you are still early in your postoperative period, then I would give the implants more time to settle.  The implants may be in different positions because of pre-existing asymmetries, such as one breast fold may have been higher than the other.  It is difficult to tell if you had asymmetry based on the preoperative photo you provided.  Finally, it can be related to capsular contracture.  Be mindful that a capsule will always form around an implant.  The question is whether the capsule is a creating a problem, such as changing the position of the implant, making the breast feel hard, or causing pain.  It sounds like you are doing the correct things.  I would recommend continued follow-up with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SourMJT,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, you left implant is good and your right implant have dropped some. It would be best to raise the right instead of trying to lower the left. External ultrasound can be added to Singular to help loosen the left.

Cassie Nghiem, MD · Answer

Hi SourMJT, excellent question. It's not possible to answer that question without more history or an exam. Since the pictures still have the surgical tape, you're probably early in the healing process. Singulair is a preventative medication for capsular contracture, but it's not possible to say if you have it or not at this point based on pictures. I would be inclined to trust your surgeon who's had the chance to examine you.

Left breast implant (subglandular) never dropped into place but feels soft and squishy - advice? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implants

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Answer: Subglandular breast implant

Answer: Subglandular breast implant

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Left breast implant (subglandular) never dropped into place but feels soft and squishy - advice? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Subglandular breast implant

Answer: Subglandular breast implant

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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