Will my silicone implant that is currently poking through my breast tissue stay that way?

Question

I'm 39 and 3 yrs. post op with high profile silicone implant on top of the muscle. Recently I felt a bubble type bump on the lower side of my right breast. I immediately saw my PS and he said it is the implant poking through thinning tissue. He is ordered an ultrasound for my peace of mind. Is there any chance this will go back to how it was on it's own? You can't see it looking at my breast and it can only be felt if I point it out but it is upsetting because I was so happy with my results before.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns. Unfortunately, breast implant rippling/palpability may occur regardless whether the breast implants are placed above or below the pectorals major muscle. It tends to be more of a problem when implants are placed above the pectorals major muscle. Barring weight gain, it is unlikely that your situation will improve  significantly. Sometimes, revisionary surgery may be necessary to improve the feel  of the breast in the area involved. I have found the use of acellular dermal matrix very helpful in this regard.  Best wishes.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. It can happen at any time regardless of whether or not the implant is placed above or below the muscle. Unless you gain a lot of weight (which I wouldn't advise), there is little chance that this will improve. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

If your implants are above the muscle, implants can be more palpable.  Especially in the lower pole of the breast. Or if you do not have much breast tissue covering the implant.   The implants will be need to be switched to under the muscle with the use of ADM for this to be resolved.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this is unlikely to change.  Following breast augmentation, eventual skin/tissue stretch and thinning is common.  In the lower pole, there is little tissue covering the implant beyond native breast tissue and your skin.  With larger augmentation and with the passage of time, the breast gland may thin out leaving the underlying implant more palpable.  This can occasionally be addressed by use of an ADM or by switching to a more cohesive gel implant - such as the shaped implants - where the thicker gel leads to maintenance of shape more than what might be felt with round silicone implants.  At the very least it is good to hear that the appearance of your augmentation remains pleasing.  Hope this helps and sorry for your disappointment!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say.  Palpability is most common along the lower pole of the breast.  Sometimes an ADM will help.

Will my silicone implant that is currently poking through my breast tissue stay that way?

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Will my silicone implant that is currently poking through my breast tissue stay that way?

Answers (9)

Answer: Able to feel implant in lower pole 3 years after breast augmentation...

Answer: Able to feel implant in lower pole 3 years after breast augmentation...

Answer: Implant issue

Answer: Implant issue

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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.