Is my left breast bottoming out?

Question

I got my breast augmentation 8 months ago- 500cc silicone implants. Everything was ok until I started noticing that the incision on my left breast has started to creep up away from the fold under my breast. I'm concerned it may be bottoming out. Does it look like it is starting to? How is this problem typically fixed and does it have to progress to a certain amount for the revision to be done/necessary?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

From your pictures I think everything looks fine.As the lower pole stretches it is common for some abdominal skin to be recruited onto the breast.this is why the scar can be seen there.hope this helpsdr schwartz

Laurence Weider, MD · Answer

Your scars are a little asymmetrical, but I don't see any evidence of bottoming out from the photos you provided.  If you measure from the nipple to the inframammary fold on each side you will have a more objective measurement to go by.  It would be best to schedule a follow up visit with your PS, but everything looks fine from the photos that you included with this post.

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

There can be a little asymmetry to where the scar line shows up on the breast mound between the left and right side.  What is more important is how the breasts look straight on.  If the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold under the breast has not changed since your breasts finished settling out and all swelling resolved, then you aren't developing a problem.  Once again, it is common to notice some asymmetry between the breasts and minor ones are ok and do not indicate a problem.  You are probably reaching a time postoperatively that you are unlikely to see further change and your breasts would likely to seem stable from here unless people develop capsular contracture (and, over time, normal aging of the breast).  If you are noticing an asymmetry that is very problematic for you, please address it with your surgeon.  Best of luck to you!

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

From the photos you posted, it does not appear that you are bottoming out.  Everything looks just fine but if you are concerned, it wouldn't be a bad idea to go see your surgeon for a follow up appointment.  ac

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Nesie22,

Looking at your pictures, I think the
implants are in excellent position. Some might argue that ideally the implants
should be a little bit lower so that the nipple is centered over the equator of
the breast mound. However, if they were lower than currently, your large,
500-cc implants would have a larger risk of bottoming out. That is because the
ligaments holding the breast fold to the chest wall would have to be further
disrupted.

I think you have a good result and I hope
this has put you at ease.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Bottoming out is when the implant drops below the breast and the fold and this does not appear to be happening in your case. If you have any concerns see your PS.

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photos, it doesnt appear that you are bottoming out. You implants could tolerate some additional descent of your implants for an "ideal" position. Continue to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that you progress as planned. 
Best of luck,
Vincent Marin, MDSan Diego Plastic Surgeon

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

I think your real question is the asymmetry in the scar. No 2 breasts are alike before or even after surgery."bottoming out" is a normal phenomenon, but you have a natural and seems (although with limited photos review) a great symmetric result and goos placement of your implants. Speak with your surgeon so that he or she can compare breast measurements and before and after photos if you are still concerned.

Kevin Maguire, MD · Answer

You have a spectacular result! There is a slight difference in placement of your incisions, but this might relate to your prep anatomy. I do not see any bottoming out. Arrange an appointment with your PS to express your concerns, but at this time, I don't think you need anything else done. Good luck and be well.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

There is a difference side to side but you would need an exam in person as well as you before photos to help understand where you started from. Are you noticing any difficulty with tenderness or tightness?

Is my left breast bottoming out?

Answers (10)

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