Is this normal for my breast to be this far apart when laying down? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. From your front view in a standing position, it appears as though you have a pleasing result. If you want to keep a natural appearing result, i would not recommend going larger. Not to mention the larger you go, the more stress you put on your tissues, and the increased chance you have of developing more displacement. If you did go a bit larger, I would recommend you not add a larger diameter implant, but increase the projection of the implant, although i don't think it will look as natural. In my opinion, 400cc would be way too large for your frame.  With regards to the lateral separation of the implants when supine... it is certainly not uncommon. In reality, any sizable breast without implants will fall to the side to varying degrees. How much an implant will fall to the side, will depend on many factors such as the shape of the rib cage, the size of the implants, the extent of the pocket made by the surgeon, your tissues and capsules thickness and integrity and ability to hold an implant well in position. Some tissues heal with laxity and thin capsules that do no hold an implant as secure as others. Some tissues and capsules have great integrity and heal at a more ideal thickness and consistency and are able to hold the implant in an ideal position. And then, on occasion,  there are those who heal with excessive thickness firmness and develop capsular contracture to have the opposite problem. Combine a narrow and oblique rib cage, and tissues that have a tendency to heal with laxity and thin capsules, the implant is sure to fall more lateral even if the surgeon creates a perfect pocket. There are many things the surgeon can control, and there are several unknowns and things a surgeon cannot control and has to use his knowledge, experience and best judgement to provide the best chance for a great outcome. The lateral displacement that you question, can be revised by lateral capsulorrhaphy ( lateral capsule repair ) which may or may not necessitate use of an acellular dermal matrix, such as Strattice, to reinforce the repair. These are all discussions you can have with your plastic surgeon. Best Wishes. Dr Sam Gershenbaum.

From your photographs, it seems like your breast implant position is quite normal with you laying on the back. Remember, if you're breasts were totally natural, they would probably have even more lateral droop. You should talk to your plastic surgeon about whether an increase in volume is prudent. You may expect even more sideways displacement when lying down if you have larger implants.

Dear christimartin123,
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

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It is difficult without an I'm-person examination to know if your implants have malposition or displacement issues but at first glance all appears to be normal.  I would not recommend materially increasing your breast size without an increase in projection as your implants appear to be well-suited to your frame currently and any larger implant in a high profile option would likely be too wide.  Hope this helps.

You look like you have a good result, especially when looking from the front view.  I think one of the biggest factors in how well you do over time is skin elasticity.  I can not tell how thick or thin your skin is by looking at photos.  I can tell you that, 400cc implants will be wider and put significantly more weight on your skin.  Although, you may have more upper pole fullness for a time, eventually larger implants will have a tendency to bottom out and they will be wider.  In 22 years of practice I find that most people who think they want larger breasts are just wanting the implants to be tighter, thats not an easy thing to accomplish, again, depends on your skin.  Good luck, Jane. 

Hi and welcome to our forum!
When supine in bed, natural breasts will fall to the side. Following augmentation, this may be exaggerated. Lateral drift occurs when the pocket in which the implant resides is too large laterally, resulting in drifting of the implant into the armpit. This is often noted by a large space between the breasts when supine, often with sternum / rib contour showing.  
Your photos reveal well proportioned breasts which fall slightly to the side when supine, but not excessively so. There is minimal rippling.
The most important measurement is the base width of the implant. If you drop a vertical line from the medial most and lateral most aspects of the breast, and measure the distance between them, this suggests a base width. If an implant is too narrow, you will not have adequate cleavage. If wider than the base width, you will have excessive cleavage and “lateral boob”.  The fill of the implant then determines the amount of forward projection. I recommend you visit an implant website (e.g. Mentor) as they will list base widths, fill options, and projections for each implant size they offer. 
Best wishes...

 I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.
You demonstrate your concerns nicely. Although some “falling to these sides” of breast implants is quite normal when you lie down, if this occurs “excessively”, it may be a concern to patients.  This phenomenon is called lateral displacement of the breast implant;  it may be of concern from the visual and the discomfort standpoints. Surgical correction is an option.


Generally, the lateral breast implant displacement can be corrected using an internal suture technique, decreasing the size of the pockets and moving the implants toward the midline.   In my practice, I use a 2 layered suture technique (capsulorraphy) to close off the space laterally (towards the axilla). The use of acellular dermal matrix is an option (although not usually necessary) especially if significant implant rippling/palpability is present.


 Surgeon experience level and technical expertise play the biggest role when it comes to successful  outcomes with this type of revisionary breast surgery.   Careful attention to postoperative activity limitations as well as use of appropriate postoperative support of dressing/garments are also important. You may be able to  increase breast size further safely.  Care must be taken to avoid excessive tension upon the capsulorraphy repair I good morning and/or your own tissues anatomic restrictions.
 I hope this helps.

It appears you have a good result based on your pictures.  It is normal for the implants to fall toward the armpit a bit when lying on the back, just the effect of gravity.  Bigger implants would give you more upper pole fullness but would also go farther toward your armpit as they will be wider.