I've had mentor HP implants for 4-5 years. Has my implant flipped? (Photos)

Dear Gentle330813,

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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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

The sensation you describe and the change in shape could be due to 3 different reason.
1. Sometimes implants can rotate or flip inside the pocket, especially with high profiles. 2. In other cases, there may be early capsular changes that make the breast feel or look different. 3. Even muscle movement or temporary swelling can cause unusual sensations.
But the most important step is to be examined in person. Without a proper evaluation, it is very easy to assume the worst and let anxiety grow. In fact, sometimes resolving the anxiety the situation creates can be harder than resolving the physical issue itself.
Please avoid self diagnosis and arrange a consultation with your surgeon as soon as possible. That is the only way to know with certainty what is happening and what if anything needs to be done.
I hope this helps ease your mind. Take gentle care of yourself until you can be seen in person
— Güray Yesiladali, MD

Hard to tell from the posted pictures. An in person evaluation would be needed to get an idea of what might be going on. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

It is difficult to give you an opinion based on the photo and info provided. Any unusual and sudden changes in sensation or appearance of your breasts should be examined by your surgeon just in case.

It does not appear as though your implant has flipped. More likely is that you tractioned one of the lateral sensory nerves of the breast when bending over. NSAID medication, such as Ibuprophen (Motrin) and warm compresses should help to settle those symptoms.

Implant flip can occur.

This is more common in large implants or over-dissected pockets which allow for greater movement.

It is difficult to diagnose from photos alone. An exam is more appropriate for assessing and potentially correcting a flipped implant.

This can be corrected with physical manipulation. In recurrent/recalcitrant cases, surgery is sometimes necessary to reorient the device and potentially tighten the pocket to prevent flip from recurring.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hello ,
Thanks for sharing your photos and concern.
Based on what you described, there are a few possible causes for what you're experiencing:
The implant may have flipped or rotated — this can happen, even with round Mentor HP implants, though it's rare.
There might be a shift in the surrounding muscle or tissue, which can cause changes in feel or appearance.
Less commonly, it could be related to an implant rupture or capsular contracture.
What you should do now:
Don’t try to massage or adjust the implant yourself, as this could make things worse.
Schedule a visit with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to have it properly evaluated.
They’ll likely recommend imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) to check the implant's position and ensure everything is intact.