My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Question

I got a BA/ with lift little over a year ago. They were never as perky as I wanted but I figured I'd give it time to settle. What never got better was when I bend down my implants go flat and the extra skin that should have been lifted hangs and sags. The extra tissue also give the breasts a not round shape. The breasts have a flat shape to them with sag still and rounded on the sides by the arm pit. Which when the arms are moved the implant go into my armpit and flat on my chest. What can I do.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear New Yorker,    Thanks for submitting your pictures.   From observing your pictures, the following is noticed:  1. Left breast bigger.  2. Implants are displaced laterally (under the arms pit).  3. Wide cleavage.  4. Level 2 ptosis.  5. large areolas.  6. Flat upper chest. To correct the above mentioned findings, the followings will have to be done:  1. Adjust implants size for symmetry.  2. Lateral capsulorrhaphy (internal bra) , to reduce the lateral fullness of the breasts and narrow the pockets size, moving the implants medially, which will give you a nice cleavage and fullness of the upper poles.  3. Medial capsulotomy (scar release) for creation of nice cleavage.  4 + 5. Mini lift (donut). Will give you perky breasts, tighter and more youthful skin  with smaller and more attractive areolas.  6. The previous maneuvers plus larger implants.  You have to realize that not all results are the same(as you'v already experienced) , because experience , skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome.   So, do your due diligence carefully and choose wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons , who do lots of redo breasts augmentation in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery. to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking. Check also the reviews on 'Realself' for rating and positive experience reports.                               Best of luck,                                                  Dr Widder

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Some breast and implant movement is more natural. If they are not the way you wanted, follow up and discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation/lifting surgery. Although some “falling to these 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;  it may be of concern from the visual and the discomfort standpoints. Surgical correction  of the breast implant displacement is an option.  In your case, additional breast lifting may also be indicated.
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.  Also, the use of a larger/wider breast implant may help improve/decrease the space between the breast implants. 
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to revisionary breast surgery concerns), helps.  Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  Based on your narrative you are likely experiencing a combination of implant malposition and breast ptosis, or sagging.  Though nothing replaces an in-person examination you would likely need a revision procedure to narrow your implant pocket while having a more powerful lift to remove the extra breast skin and elevate your nipple into a more youthful position.  Hope this helps.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

The breasts may lose their
elasticity and firmness which can be caused by different factors such as
pregnancy, massive weight loss, lactation and aging. To reaffirm the breasts
and restore the natural look your surgeon can perform a mastopexy or breast
lift. A breast lift restores a firmer, perkier, and more
aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging breasts. This not only can improve
a patient’s appearance by restoring her youthful, feminine proportions,
but also help bras and swimsuits fit more comfortably and attractively. By
removing excess, stretched out skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and raising
the nipple & areola into a more forward position, a cosmetic surgeon can create
a more youthful breast contour. Stretched, large areolae can also be
reduced during breast lift surgery, creating an overall better proportioned,
natural looking breast, Actually the perkiness on a person or another, depends
on patients skin and breast tissue for the first 3 to 4
months!

My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done?

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done?

Answer: My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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