7 month old breast implant making noises and feels like it may be falling lower. Slight discomfort. Lots of swelling. (photos)

Question

I’m almost 7 months post op for my breast augmentation. I received 300 cc breast implants. My left implant has started sloshing when I worked out or went up and down stairs. I read that that’s normal and will go away. It hasn’t gone away. I can feel and hear it rubbing sometimes. Today I noticed that my left breast was significant more swollen. I’m concerned all of this is happening because my implant is sliding down. I can’t tell if it is or if I’m just that swollen. Should I be worried?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mbrand93,
bottoming out occurs when the implant falls below the current breast crease or inframammary line. It's more likely to happen with inframammary incisions, which is why I try not to use the inframammary approach to any breast surgery.
Bottoming out can also occur if an implant is too large for the breast pocket. That is why it is important to choose an implant size that's correct for your body. I perform numerous measurements in the office to determine optimal implant size for my patient's bodies.
If you are concerned, please check it with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to further discuss your options and possibility of revision.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The sloshing you sometimes hear typically goes away over time.  The swelling at seven months post op is not common and should be evaluated by your surgeon.  If an implant slides too low a revision may be needed.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi! this is Arzu from Dr. Caner Kacmaz Clinic. You need to take a mamography and ultrasound to see if there is any problem. Just looking at the photos we cannot detect the problem. İf you send us your results we will be more than happy to help you

Kind regards

Kind regards

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I believe an in person evaluation is needed to give a more definitive answer. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have some fluid around your implant from some trauma. Also, you appear to be bottoming out some. Go back to your surgeon and be checked.

7 month old breast implant making noises and feels like it may be falling lower. Slight discomfort. Lots of swelling. (photos)

Answers (5)