Breast implants incision rising? No longer under the fold.

Thank you very much for your question and congratulations
on your recent breast augmentation. It is not uncommon for the incision crease
to migrate somewhat, as your breasts heal following surgery. However, without a
photograph or an in-person examination, it is difficult to provide any more
detailed advice. I encourage you to contact your operating surgeon with your
concerns, as he/she is more aware of your medical history, specific surgical
procedure, and recovery progression. 

Hello,Thank you for your question. Photos for comparison would be helpful. Your implants may have shifted downward a little and to some degree this is normal but if it is a significant change you've noticed then you should bring it to your Plastic Surgeon's attention. All the best

Thank you for your question. As the breast implants settles sometimes it settles slightly below the incision. This causes the incision to ride up slightly on your breast. If this happens, it is usually minimal. Sometimes there is benefit to the incision being just slightly elevated, because it's hard to see if you're wearing a bikini. If you are concerned, check back in with your plastic surgeon. They will check the position of your implant to make sure that it has not settled too low. 

Thank you for your question. This can happen. It may be in your best interest to discuss this concern with your surgeon. Depending on the incision you may be able to fix your concern with a scar revision. Best, 

Hi Gracie505.  The incision can be seen above the fold when an implant drops and creates more space-a process referred to as "auto-dissection".  This is not uncommon, and occurs mostly when large implants are placed or if there is not a well formed fold to begin with. I've seen this occur also when patients lie on their stomach a lot. See your PS and review your before pics & the implant placed. He or She may recommend a capsulorraphy, a surgical adjustment to the implant position and pocket.  Best wishes,

Hello Gracie. The fold usually rises as the implant stretches the lower part of the breast. The breast implant will continue to create a space as gravity pulls it down - in a phenomena called "auto dissection" of the breast pocket. Smooth shell breast implants always do this to some degree while bigger breast implants are notorious for creating a long fold elevation. Most of the time, the incision only rises a few mm and it s not bothersome. One advantage of the rising incision is that it is hard to see when you're wearing a bikini and you raise your hands up. A lot of my patients play volleyball out here in Arizona and they love the incision is basically invisible in a bikini. Speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

After breast augmentation surgery It is normal and not uncommon for the crease incision to move up a bit. It is not common for it to be seen straight on. Most surgeons try to get the incision as close to the crease under the breast as possible. Have your surgeon check to see if your incision has risen up to within a normal distance. Hope this information is reassuring and good luck. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Surgeons do their best to try to have the scar end up in the crease. However, the implants usually start off high on the chest (if smooth, under the muscle), and over 3 to 4 months drop into place. The implants may drop past the original fold causing the skin originally under the breast to move up and now become part of the breast. Basically, the implants dropped further than was planned. This can happen sometimes. If its only a short distance, it doesnt really make much difference. If its a far distance, then you will see the scar when you are looking at the breast straight on. The pocket can be revised to raise the implant up further if this happens. Best of luck.

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery. It may be helpful to post photographs for more precise assessment/advice. Sometimes, if a breast implant "settles" too much, the inframammary fold incision may appear higher on the breast mound.  If this is the case, then adjustment of the breast implant pocket  may be necessary to improve position of the breast implant, better center the nipple/areola complex on the breast mound, and "hide" the scar line again. Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question. Over time, it is not unusual for a breast implant to descend from its original location. This happens more frequently with large implants, and in patients with poorly-defined inframammary folds. It is possible to revise the incision, so that it is located in the fold again.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS