Can my implant move? Like twist? Or fall out of the pocket?

Question

When I was laying on my side the other night and got up out of bed. It felt strange. I looked down and my left breast was all deformed looking. I could tell the implant had moved. It scared me. I moved it back and have been sleeping in a sports bra ever since. My implants are one year old this week. And I have noticed my left breast feels different. It always feels so much heavier then my right.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, breast implants can move or shift.  This movement or shifting may or may not be problematic for a specific patient.  In other words, if the movement is minimal or occurs occasionally, it may not concern the patient enough to prompt revisionary breast surgery. On the other hand, if the breast implant movement is significant enough to be considered displacement (such as lateral displacement or bottoming out…),   this may be more problematic (from the visual and/or discomfort standpoints), prompting patients to seek surgical correction. The type of breast implant utilized may also be a factor to consider. Anatomical breast implants were designed to better simulate the natural breast  shape;  the problem with these implants is that if they shift or rotate,  the entire breast will change shape as well.  This change in breast shape may require further surgery to correct. Round implants, on the other the hand, can shift or rotate without changing the shape of the breasts. I personally prefer the use of smooth  and round implants for most patients. Based on your description, it may be time for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon to obtain in person assessment and/or advice. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Ron77328,
  
I understand your concern. However, it is difficult to ascertain what this is and its causes. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Yes implants can move.Remember, during a breast augmentation, a breast pocket is formed in order to accommodate the implant. The implant sits in the pocket and moves like a soft, normal breast. Some patients report that they can feel the implant move, but have a normal breast pocket.If you feel your implant is deformed or feels different, then you should see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, the implants can and do move, most of the time this is not a problem but excessive movement can be problematic.  Unfortunately I don't think sleeping in a sports bra is going to correct any problem that has already developed.   I would suggest a follow up visit with your surgeon to see what is going on and come up with a solution.Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACSCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Samir R. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants can displace for a variety of reasons including stretch of the capsule.  Most common implants displace laterally (to the side) and down.  Its probably best to contact your implant surgeon to have it checked out.  Good luck

Can my implant move? Like twist? Or fall out of the pocket?

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Can my implant move? Like twist? Or fall out of the pocket?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast implant movement

Answer: Breast implant movement

Answer: Can my implant move

Answer: Can my implant move

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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