Sagging After Breast Implants - Normal?

Question

I had breast implants 11 years ago and now they sag. Is that normal? How long is typical before implants start to sag?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Over
time, gravity will continue to have an effect and the breast skin will tend to
stretch. The degree of stretching and #sagging varies between women: generally,
women with smaller breasts experience less recurring sagging. If sagging does
occur, further excision of the skin on an outpatient basis can be used to
correct the problem. Heavy and large breasts, with or without implants, may lead to recurrent sagging and
may require the removal of a small amount of breast tissue to achieve an
optimal shape and size. An implant #revision or exchange intends   to replace the damaged implants with new silicone or saline filled   implants with newer technology. For example, silicone gel implants are   more “cohesive” meaning “gummy bear like” which prevents migration of   the gel if there is a break in the outer shell. This will reduce future   risk of complications.Secondary breast surgery can be complex   and needs to be done by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

As you age it is natural for your breasts to start to sag. This is because of the pull of gravity and weakening of tissues that provide support. However with the added weight of implants the rate of sagging can be faster. That's why it's important to wear a good support bra. Sagging is inevitable for every woman and is not unique for women with implants. Unfortunately it is difficult to say when a woman's breasts will actually start to sag, with implants or not.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Every patient is unique and the quality of their tissues are unique. There is no set amount of time that a woman will develop sagging breasts (ptosis) with implants or that she ever will.  If you are concerned about your breasts visit the surgeon that placed your implants or other board certified plastic surgeons to develop a plan to improve the shape of your breasts with or without your implants.
Good Luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This tends to depend on whether the implants are placed under or over the muscle. When placed under and the breast tissue ages or sags over the implant, patients may develop the so called "Snoopy deformity". However, implants placed over the muscle tend to sag with the breast tissue and may form the so called"Rock in the Sock" deformity.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, it is normal for breasts to sag over time.  Eleven years sounds like a good run, but maybe you need a lift or revision?

Sagging After Breast Implants - Normal?

Answers (10)