Are my implants too far apart when I lay down? (photos)

Question

I am 3 months post op and I feel as though my implants were placed too far apart, or my surgeon made the pockets too big for my implants. When I lay back, my implants fall really far to the side and I feel as though they go too far to the side, exposing my chest bones and I fear this is not the result I should have. Also, on the inside on my left implant in my cleavage, I feel a tugging/ a bit of pain and I don't believe this is normal

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Natural breasts move to the sides when laying down. Cleavage and space inbetween depends upon your pre op anatomy.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during the healing and setting process.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Without the benefit of a before picture it is difficult to offer definite advice but it appears that you had wide-set breasts to begin with, and I do not see excessive lateral implant malposition.  This, however, is best confirmed with an in-person examination.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon and explaining to them your concerns.  They can best answer your question based on your specific procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Everyone's breasts fall to the side a bit. If you feel that they displace to far to the side, then perhaps you need a capsule repair.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast surgery. Although it is difficult to give you precise device without direct examination, some general thoughts in regards to your question may be helpful to you.

If breast implants are shifting to the side too much ( in the upright or supine position),  the use of internal sutures to close off the breast implant pocket ( lateral capsulorrhaphy)  may be very helpful. This procedure serves to prevent the breast implants from moving to the sides, especially when the patient is lying down. Subsequently, the patient will have an improved “cleavage area”, which decreased  space between the breasts.  Also, if the nipple/areola complexes are off centered because of the breast implant displacement, “repair” of the breast implant pockets will help to better center the nipple/areola complexes.  Barring significant changes in weight and/or pregnancies,  capsulorraphy techniques can be long-lasting if not permanent.

I hope this, and the attached link, help.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!
It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so. 
Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Are my implants too far apart when I lay down? (photos)

Answers (6)