How do I fix a nipple that’s tucks under when I flex the chest muscle? Is it fixable?

Question

Had implants done A to a D and love them but the right side where the insision is under the Areola pulls under and pulls the nipple down .... can it be fixed ?? Is it something done wrong ? My doc said if he goes back I’m it won’t get fixed .

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's difficult to determine the cause of the nipple inversion without examining you in person. Sometimes a denting of the skin with muscle activation is caused by tethering of the free muscle edge to the skin. Dr. Richard Baxter, Seattle Washington, has developed a way to address this issue by detaching the tethered muscle from the breast, splitting the pectoralis muscle, and reattaching the free muscle edge to the chest wall. He has reported good results. You may consider additional consultations to discuss your concerns, so that you can hear additional opinions.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear linzmae,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Frederick W. Ehret, MD · Answer

It is a little hard to answer your question specifically without an in-person consultation or at least some pictures or possibly even a video to show the movement you described. My first thought is that you are likely describing implant animation. I will assume that your implants were placed under the pectorals major muscle, the most common method. Whenever this is done, there is some degree of implant animation. This is distortion of your breast and or the implant shape when you flex your muscle. Most of the time this is not particularly distressing for patients. Sometimes however it can be significant. If this is your condition, there are surgical options that could improve your situation. Primary consideration would be changing the implant position to being above the muscle. Other possibilities are simpler issues such as a bound down scar, which is a scar that is stuck down to deeper underlying tissue,  which might be improved by scar revision along with fat grafting. I don't think that anything was necessarily done wrong with your surgery and again without seeing your conditions it is difficult to know for sure, however there is almost always something that can be done to improve an undesired outcome. Try to work with your treating plastic surgeon but if you don't get satisfaction definitely consider getting another in-person consultation.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be released percutaneously with a large pickle fork lipo cannula or scissors dissection through a small incision and fat grafting used to help prevent tissues from reattaching.  If this was not appropriate or did not work, you're looking at a more formal procedure where you have to return to the OR and the scar is revised and muscles released at that time.  Your surgeon is correct in that going back in doesn't guarantee you won't have residuals or persistence.

How do I fix a nipple that’s tucks under when I flex the chest muscle? Is it fixable?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tethering of your areola to your muscles

Answer: Tethering of your areola to your muscles

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.

How do I fix a nipple that’s tucks under when I flex the chest muscle? Is it fixable?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tethering of your areola to your muscles

Answer: Tethering of your areola to your muscles

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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.