Something is wrong with my right implant. Do I need a Revision Surgery? (Photo)

Question

I had my Breast Augmentation almost 4 years ago under the muscle !Recently I have noticed something is wrong with my right implant, it looks misplaced and falls under my arm and creates an unnatural curve and shape, please note that is my dominant side, I’m not sure if that matter but just wanted to mention. My left implant however looks perfect and placed right where it should be. my question is why is this happening? and how can this be fixed? THANK YOU

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

When implants are placed underneath the muscle then the pectoralis major muscle contracts and can extrude the implant inferior and laterally.  That is what is happening and will continue to occur.  The treatment is exchanging the implants for smaller ones or try to reinforce the area with sutures or artificial material.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You have upper lateral displacement of the implant on the right side. It is not very obvious, I had to look twice to notice it. If it does not cause "sleepless" nights for you, I would leave it alone and wear a supportive bra during the day. If this preoccupies your thought process during the day, then you will need a surgical repair by closing down the breast pocket superior-laterally. Basically doing a capsulotomy (narrowing the implant pocket) with sutures. Suture techniques do have variable outcomes and can fail. If it fails, then you need it done again. Often a piece of mesh like Galaflex (dissolvable) needs to be used to reinforce and support the lateral breast pocket while it's healing. Remember, the more surgeries you have for the breasts, the less rewarding the results. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns or see another board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant malposition over time is typically in the lateral and/or inferior direction. In your case, it is more unusual in that it's the upper lateral portion of the pocket, near the armpit. Handedness or upper extremity use is sometimes a factor, but not always. The dimensions of the pocket have a direct effect on implant shape and position, so given that your right pocket is wider in that location, I would imagine it has an effect on the upper pole of the implant and possibly the appearance of the implant there relative to the other implant. If not, and you are happy with the appearance of your breasts otherwise, I would not recommend a revision surgery. If you are not happy with the overall appearance or it simply feels different or uncomfortable on the right side, you will need a surgery to repair the pocket in that upper lateral region (capsulorrhaphy, or capsule tightening).

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Although your photos are very limited, you probably tore your capsule at some point and now your implant moves more to the side. This can be fixed by tightening the lateral pocket.  Please go visit your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make a quality assessment, we need quality information.
For plastic surgery outcomes that usually means having access to a complete set of proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
If you don’t get access to four pictures, then at least show us proper pictures that show your breast in a natural position.
Take a look at how plastic surgeons take before and after pictures to get an idea of how we make assessments based on pictures.
the information included is not sufficient to get an idea of what’s going on.
For a second opinion consultation I suggest having a few in person consultation with plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Something is wrong with my right implant. Do I need a Revision Surgery? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: How plastic surgeons make assessments

Answer: How plastic surgeons make assessments

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Something is wrong with my right implant. Do I need a Revision Surgery? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: How plastic surgeons make assessments

Answer: How plastic surgeons make assessments

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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