Can breast implants move "out of the pocket" after 8 years?

Question

I have had saline implants for 8 years. They have been perfect until recently. When I lie on my back the left is "flatter" than the other and seems to fall towards my armpit. When I am sitting or standing up, they look just fine. Could anything have moved the implant? Can it easily be repaired? Is this common? Or a defect with the implant?

John M. Anastasatos, MD, FACS · Answer

The pocket around your implants is made out of your own collagen and can stretch over time. This gives more space for the implants to move on your chest wall.Moreover if you have saline filled implants they deflate over time. The rate of deflation increases after 7 years.But these are not major issues. You need a revision and removal and replacement with new implants. The pocket may require some work too in order to accommodate the new implants and the new shape.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi neighbor: Unfortunately, the implants CAN bottom out over years. This happens in two ways. First, the skin stretches due to the weight of the implants on the breast tissue. The other way is secondary to forceful contractions of the pectoralis muscle, usually due to weight lifting.  Forceful contractions force the implants down and out, which makes them appear too low and too widely spaced. It is repaired surgically within the breast pocket. It is usually carried out via the patient's existing incision, may involve an implant exchange if desired, incorporates internal permanent stitches, no drains, and occasionally requires ADM, strattice or Siri. It happens with small implants as often as it does with large implants because it is not related to implant size.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

implants can fall laterally over time. It could be from the implant being too large or wide or just your anatomy. It requires a revision to bring it back to midline and give you the fullness you want.A saline implant can also leak which could cause the decrease in fullnessPlease meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision breast surgery to discuss your optionsbest of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear that you are having issues with your implants. Unfortunately with time, implants can stretch out the original pocket, causing a "malposition" of the implant, usually down and away from the body.  Certain risk factors for this include saline implants, and those over about 380-400cc's in size.  I do not think that anything moved the implant or that it is defective.  If this movement does not bother you, then you need not take any action, just be aware that this may worsen with time.  Correction normally requires surgery to close the implant pocket so as not to allow the implant to move as much. Seek out a board certified surgeon who can examine you and give you his impressions on the best course of action to take

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants can migrate out of the pocket over time from the continual pressure of the muscle or stretch of the tissues. This can be corrected surgically by tightening the capsule internally with very good results. Keep in mind that you also could have a leak of the implant which could contribute to the flatness you are experiencing.You should see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to get a formal opinion through an in-person consultation.Best of luck,
Vincent Marin, MDSan Diego Plastic Surgeon

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of your problem as I know this can be distressing. I think it is very unlikely that the pocket (or capsule) containing your implant changed. I would be more suspicious that you've suffered a partial leak of saline from the device, which can happen suddenly. You have several options, but I'd visit a local PS for answers.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like your implant pocket on that one side has stretched out more to the side. This can happen and causes what you're describing.  It usually doesn't indicate anything is wrong with your implant.It can be repaired with a revision surgery to sutures the pockets back to its original position.  The details of what is required would need a consultation and exam.

Kevin Maguire, MD · Answer

It is uncommon for your implant to displace out to your armpit eight years after surgery. To have this happen, the capsule around your implant would of had to rupture. You would remember if that happened because it usually takes a large force to rupture a mature capsule. An implant change eight years most likely represents a rupture of the implant or a leak. See your PS to discuss your options. Good luck and be well.

Can breast implants move "out of the pocket" after 8 years?

Answers (8)

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