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.

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)

Answer: Implant shifts

Answer: Implant shifts

Answer: Implant sensations

Answer: Implant sensations

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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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)

Answer: Implant shifts

Answer: Implant shifts

Answer: Implant sensations

Answer: Implant sensations

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.