Should I consider a breast implant revision for lateral displacement and upper pole fullness? (Photo)

Question

I had my breast augmentation done 5.5 years ago - high profile, under the muscle, 375CC and 400CC. I am concerned that I have lateral displacement (which I understand is relatively normal with exercise, gravity, the shape of the chest wall, etc), and wondering if it would be worth having corrected, or if it’s an issue that will continue to persist? I feel like I’ve lost upper pole fullness over the last 3 years or so as well. Could over the muscle be a better option for me, or leave as is?

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting appropriate pictures. You look like you would need some pocket support which can be done as a minimal invasive procedure under local anesthesia without a need for implant exchange or plane change. It’s best to have virtual consultation to discuss this option.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The time to undergo breast implant revision surgery is completely individualized. As most patients need a revision at some point, my recommendation is usually to hold off as long as possible so that you don’t need additional revisions later down the road. If it is truly bothering you then it may be worth to consult with a plastic surgeon. Over the muscle is definitely an option and will decrease the chances lateral displacement overtime as the pec muscle is not pushing the implant laterally, however it is a more involved surgery to change the implant pocket location from under to over the muscle. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear princessb16,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Your breasts look great now.  I’m sure that over time they did settle and as you say, more laterally.  The lateral displacement may be addressed by suturing the lateral pocket with or without a mesh (adm-acellular dermal matrix). 
It’s a tough decision because they look very nice now.

Should I consider a breast implant revision for lateral displacement and upper pole fullness? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast revision

Answer: Breast revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Should I consider a breast implant revision for lateral displacement and upper pole fullness? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast revision

Answer: Breast revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.