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

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.

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!

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

Answers (8)

Answer: 7 months post op

Answer: 7 months post op

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: 7 months post op

Answer: 7 months post op

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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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.