I have ripped my internal bra on the right breast. What can I do to make sure it doesn't get worse?

Question

So I had breast augmantation 465cc high profile saline implants with a lollipop lift. Also an internal bra done on December 2007. About 2 years ago my boyfriend and I were playing around and he pushed up on my right breast pretty hard. I felt a sharp pain and I instantly knew he ripped my internal bra. My right breast now has lowered significantly. When I lift my arm completely above my head it sends a sharp pain.How much damage can this do and what can I do to prevent it from getting worse?

Joseph Mlakar, MD · Answer

What you describe as a "ripped internal bra" is better know in medical circles as a closed capsulotomy, and involves disruption of the natural scar envelope which encases every breast implant. The tear will eventually heal, and of itself, does not necessarily require surgical revision or treatment. But since you describe ongoing sharp pain with arm movement, and your implants are (by my math) 13 years old, it would be a good reason to return to your plastic surgeon for an examination, and to get recommendations for additional evaluations or surgical treatment.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

It is important to understand what an internal bra is. By definition, it involves the addition of a layer of supportive material such as Galaflex or Strattice. If it is internal sutures it is a capsulorrhaphy, whether the sutures are of permanent material or not. The answer to your question therefore depends on what sort of internal bra you have, but correction will involve surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tatepz86,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard Guerrero Jimenez, MD · Answer

You current issue can be corrected by having a breast lift. But I need to see pictures of your breast in a relaxed position and also lifting your arms.

I have ripped my internal bra on the right breast. What can I do to make sure it doesn't get worse?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ripped bra

Answer: Ripped bra

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.

I have ripped my internal bra on the right breast. What can I do to make sure it doesn't get worse?

Answers (4)

Answer: Ripped bra

Answer: Ripped bra

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.