Upward migration of implants without capsular contracture?

Question

I am 2 years post-op from a dual-plane silicone augmentation. A few months ago one of my implants (the side of my non-dominant hand) started moving up my chest. It's migrated approximately an inch. I consulted a couple PSs and they both seemed stumped because there are no other indications of capsular contracture (the implants are both as soft and mobile as always). Now I think my other implant may be moving upwards also (or I could be imagining it...). What is happening? What should I do?

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Without the benefit of a physical examination or even photographs, it is impossible to truly answer your question. In general, when implants migrate upward it is due to a capsule closing the bottom portion of the pocket. Another explanation is a pseudo movement of the implant that is actually caused by the breast falling down over the underlying implant. The latter is a less likely cause based on your time frame. Early in the course there are medical, surgical and non-surgical options for treatment. It sounds like your condition is progressive and therefore worth discussing further with your plastic surgeon..

John C. Pedersen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Capsular contracture can occur within your timeframe. The changes may be subtle and at times indistinguishable.  There is another explanations. It maybe that your breast tissue has dropped overtop of the implants, especially if they are textured implants. Form stable implants will not migrate, but the tissue overlying the implants may drift. A possible solution is to revaluate implant type and change the implant vs a potential lift. I wish you well

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you have an issue with your capsule contracting on the bottom and pushing the implants upwards... you may still have softness but implants won't elevate on their own.  If its starting to look funky, you may need the scar tissue released on the bottom.

Leon Goldstein, MD · Answer

The upward migration of implants is secondary to activity of the pectoralis muscle and placement of the implant under the muscle which in my opinion is anatomically not the appropriate site. The implants "ride high" and patients are told that they will "settle" and most do not because they are held up by the muscle attachments to the ribs and lower sternum. Discuss all options with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Alex Kim, MD · Answer

One of the side effects of placing implants is upward migration of the implants.  This is thought to be due to the incomplete release of the pectoralis muscle.  Since the implant is under the muscle, and if the muscle is still attached to the chest or, for some reason, it reattaches to the chest wall, the contraction of the muscle causes the implant to be pushed upward.  Early after surgery, you may not notice this, but as time goes by, the migration becomes more evident.  I recommend you to see your plastic surgeon and have him/her reassess your implants.Best,

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

Thank you for your question.  I have seen 1 patient out of thousands who experienced upward migration of subpectoral breast implants without capsular contracture.  The patient was very fit and physically active and weakly did weightlifting with bench presses and other pectoralis muscle strengthening exercises.However I would be vigilant to keep track of the softness of your implants to make certain that you are not forming a capsular  contracture.

Upward migration of implants without capsular contracture?

Answers (6)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

5 weeks post op, will they drink anymore? (photos)

Allergic to dissolving stitches

My left breast feels tighter than my right. I'm lefty and also my left breast is a little smaller.

9 days post-op breast augmentation and my face has been a little numb; is this normal?

Regarding male breast 'enlargement' (not big stuff). Would standard over-the-counter water tablets have a changing effect?

11 days post op. And steri strip seems close to be coming off?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS