My implants are still pretty high with barely any lower pole fullness 7 months after surgery. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

52 year old, 125 pounds, 5’4”. Received SSF 415cc Natrelle Inspira SoftTouch breast implants 7 months ago. Still pretty high with barely any lower pole fullness and nipples still pretty downward. Says I should start heavily/aggressively massaging by using both hands and grabbing the side of the implants hard (he said, you can’t ever be too hard), and then pushing the implant down and inward. He also told me to start taking 1000 IUs of vitamin E 2x daily? Would this be normal?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you may have capsular contracture, massage and vitamin E have been proven ineffective in treating it. What is more important here is that you and your surgeon have chosen an implant size that is far larger than your anatomy would allow. Your nipple to fold distance would've never been sufficient to accommodate the size of the implant hence their downward facing placement on your breast mound. Your implants span from your armpits and touch in the center. Your surgeon has demonstrated a lack of knowledge in capsular contracture and poor judgement with implant selection. Go to another surgeon for help.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tneel317,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! My guess is that he feels as though you've developed a bit of capsular contracture. That would be the reason for the Vitamin E and the aggressive massage. It would be helpful to see a before photo to see how tight your lower pole was from the start, but my guess is that if you feel these are too high for your frame, a revision may be in your future. Best of luck!

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

It is uncommon for 415 mL smooth, round implants to remain high after 7 months. I would be concerned for capsular contracture.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can follow your surgeon's instructions to attempt to reposition the implants, but at 7 months post op there is a chance you won't see much difference.  You may need to consider revision surgery including selecting different implants.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You chose very large implants for your frame and tissue and they possibly may not go much lower.  Do follow your surgeon's suggestions. If they do not drop, you may need surgery to enlarge the capsule or go smaller.

Roger J. Friedman, MD · Answer

From the picture you have provided it appears your implant is not centered on your nipple. The only way to attain that is to either lower the fold or raise the nipple. More pictures front and side would help to further address your concerns.

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

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to see your experience at this point.

Based on your photographs it is unlikely that massage will resolve the issue that you have.

My guess is that 2 issues are involved.  If in your preoperative appearance the nipple was below the level of the inframammary crease or fulled under your breast and you should have had a breast lift in addition to implants as if the nipple was below the fulled in the implant is above the fulled the result is that the nipple is pushed downward.

The other issue is the size of the breast implants.  It appears that the breast implant size that was used is too large for the volume of breast and breast skin that you had.

I would hope that your plastic surgeon would consider a revision as based on your appearance of your breasts I do not think massage will create any significant difference.  If your plastic surgeon is not sympathetic with your situation and I would suggest a second opinion.

My implants are still pretty high with barely any lower pole fullness 7 months after surgery. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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