Is it normal for an implant to move in a short space of time? (Photos)

Question

Ive had my breast surgery nearly 2 years ago. I took my bikini picture before i went away and when i got home i noticed my implant looks like it has moved or kind of flat near clevage. It is a bit tender to touch too. Can capsular come on in such short notice like that ? Im worried now im going to have to have them removed.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Implants can certainly change position, but usually do so over long periods of time as the breast tissue also changes.  More rapid changes may be due to capsular contracture, or some other process.  It would probably be helpful to see a plastic surgeon to give you a better understanding of what may be happening.

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

A visible shape change with new tenderness two years out can indicate early capsular contracture, a fold, or rarely an implant issue, and yes &mdash; contracture can develop relatively quickly. This doesn't automatically mean removal; many cases are managed with monitoring or a smaller revision. An exam and possibly an ultrasound will give you a clear answer, so have it checked soon rather than worrying.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Your photo appears to show some asymmetry and flattening near the inner breast/cleavage area, but a photo cannot determine whether the implant has moved, the pocket has stretched, or the capsule has tightened. Capsular contracture can develop after two years, but it usually shows as increasing firmness, tightness, distortion, a higher implant position, and sometimes pain; it should not be diagnosed from a photo alone. An in-person exam with your original surgeon or another board-certified plastic surgeon is appropriate for a new tender area or visible shape change.

Removal is not automatically the next step. During an exam, the surgeon would check implant position, breast firmness, the implant pocket, whether there was recent pressure or trauma, and whether imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is needed if rupture, fluid, or a late seroma is a concern. Older photos are useful for comparing the change accurately. If you develop increasing swelling, redness, warmth, fever, drainage, or rapidly worsening pain, contact your surgeon promptly or seek urgent care.

Is it normal for an implant to move in a short space of time? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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