When I lift my arm my implant moves to the side towards my armpit. Willl this correct over time? Needs revision surgery? (Photo)

Question

My left breast was smaller than the right one. The surgeon placed a bigger implant on the left and a smaller on the right. When I lift my right arm, breast with smaller implant, my implant moves to the side towards my armpit. I can feel the silicone implant on the side and the shape of my breast shape becomes kind of square. When I put my right arm down, my breast looks perfect. It is odd to me that I have an issue on the right breast where the doctor placed an smaller implant. I'm 118 lbs.

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

You have a great result! The muscle needs to expand and relax over time and this sign may be diminished over time. Either way, it's normal and you need NOT to be concerned. Congrats!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I'm not sure how long ago your surgery was but it can take many months for the tissues/muscle to relax and feel normal again after breast augmentation. I do not see anything unusual in this photo, but if you have a concern it will be best to have your Plastic Surgeon examine you in person.All the best

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  From the photos you have provided, it does not appear that you have significant lateral malposition of the implant.  You may be experiencing some small amount of movement, which can be normal.  If you lay on your back and there is little movement of the implant towards your armpit, then you no malposition of the implant and will not require any additional procedures.  Best advice is to show this to your surgeon at your next follow up and they can then diagnose and discuss if there is a concern.  From the photos, you appear to have a nice result.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, based on the appearance of your scars it appears that the surgery was fairly recent.  If this is the case you might find that the implant position will continue to change over time.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

into your axilla when raising your arm are not unusual.  Let your surgeon know of your concerns as he/she knows what you started with, can evaluate you for excessive lateral movement, and provide you any reassurances you need to complete the healing.  Once you are considered completely healed (anywhere from 3-6 months down the road), any concerns you have then can be discussed and addressed by your surgeon as to what may be best to do to provide you the outcome you desire.

Gerard Lambe, MBChB · Answer

I agree that your scars look fresh and so there is still considerable swelling and healing taking place. As gravity takes hold and swelling subsides you will see the final result. I would definitely not recommend revision at this early stage.best wishes

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

I'll bet you are only about a month or so out from surgery, based on the appearance of those scars, and if that's the case, you still have a lot of healing to do before we see the final results.  It may take 4 to 6 months for the tissues to soften and the true dynamics of the implants and tissues together to become apparent.  Until that time, the tissues may be more stiff or tight, and this may force the implants to slide to more unnatural positions.  In addition, due to the way that we tighten the breast tissues and skin at the bottom during lifts, it is perfectly normal to have some early squaring off of the shape, especially when you lift your arm up and put further stretch on the already tight tissues.  The fact that you say that your breasts "look perfect" when your arms are down is excellent, and as time goes on and gravity works on the softening tissues, things will relax even when you lift your arms.  At this stage, you should wear a bra for support when doing things with your arms, and if your surgeon agrees, you may wish to perform some gentle massage of the breast tissues and implants and some gentle stretching of the chest wall tissues.  Be sure to follow your own surgeon's recommendations closely though, as he or she is best equipped to advise you specifically about your case.  Good luck.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It is normal to have a submuscularly positioned implant move towards the armpit when you lift your arms. I would not be worried about this concern as it is normal.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and if you have submuscular implants it is not unusual to see them move laterally when you raise your arms.  If overtime the implant falls laterally when you lay down then you may need a revision.Dr. Corbin

When I lift my arm my implant moves to the side towards my armpit. Willl this correct over time? Needs revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (9)

More Breast Implants Questions

Breast augmentation and labiaplasty surgery prices? (Photo)

How much does it cost to have breast implants?

I'm right handed. Is it normal for the left side implant to feel more tight?

Is there a big difference in implants with +/-50cc? (Photo)

Will my breasts be too far apart? Wide sternum causing concern for desired cleavage. (Photo)

700cc breast implants - how big does that typically translate when it comes to breast size for a natural A cup?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS