What is Wrong with my Breast Implants? How Can They Be Fixed? (photo)

Question

Let me start off by saying, I hate my breast implants! I've had them 3 years. Before surgery I was 130lb, 5'7 and 34B. I am now 135lb and 34D-DD (21yo). They have always looked "weird" and saggy, even just a few months after the surgery. Its like the implant is stuck to the back of my breast and my real breast just sits in front. When I flex the muscle there is a dramatic difference (double bubble?). Sitting normal they are saggy, and from the side you can always tell where the implant is. Help?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	I think your description is quite accurate  and matches the pictures you have provided. Revisionary surgery is definitely indicated. Although difficult to give precise advice without direct examination,  I think some combination of capsulotomy/capsulectomy  will be necessary to release the pectoralis muscle &ldquo;grip&rdquo; on the breast implants.

	Once this is done, some skin &ldquo;tailoring&rdquo; ( probable breast lifting) will also be helpful to allow breast tissue and skin to sit appropriately over the breast implants.  This combination procedure may help the situation where the breast tissue sits as a separate unit off the breast implant.

	I would suggest in person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience with revision breast surgery.

	Best wishes for a much improved outcome.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Looking at your pre-operative photographs, you obviously needed a mastopexy at your first procedure combined with possible implants if you wanted to be larger.  Now you have implants high on your chest and your breast tissue is hanging too low.  If you want to keep the size you have, you can maintain the same implants but you will need a mastopexy.  This can be done through a circumareolar approach and elevate your breast tissue so it lies on top of your breast implants.  Once you align the nipple, breast tissue and implant in the same horizontal plane, projection will be much better and you will look more natural.  I often use this technique to correct your type of problem with very nice results. Your other alternative is to remove your implants and do a mastopexy.  This would result in significant size lost and you would be back at your 34 B.

	Best of Luck,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Randy Proffitt, MD · Answer

Your pictures are very informative.  I would first ask how you feel about your size.  A change in implant size needs to be addressed if you desire more or less volume

	.  Also since you are 21 silicone is not an option.  Next the nipple is too low in relation to the breast mound.  Most likely a lift will be needed.  On the last picture (left lateral view) it is evident you have a double bubble.  This can be repaired at the time of surgery by re-establishing your previous inframammary fold.  Since you are going to need a lift anyway the nipple can be easily located in reference to this new (or old) fold.  Lastly if the capsule around the implant is tight or thick, it will need to be released by capsulotomy, capsulectomy is not necessary it saline implant is currently present.

	As always you need to be aware of possibility of changes which may occur as the result of weight gain or loss, pregnancy, etc.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like you may need some type of revision based upon your physical exam.  The breast is being squeezed in a funny way as the muscle flexes.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Your pictures indicted implant and breast tissue separation and sagging of the breast tissue off the implant. This can be due to the improper implant placement,capsular contracture or combination. You have mild ptosis based on your pictures which may be misleading due to the camera angle. Please send front  pictures  without holding the camera.

What is Wrong with my Breast Implants? How Can They Be Fixed? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast revision surgery

Answer: Breast revision surgery

Answer: You would benefit from implant pocket revision and lift(maybe)

Answer: You would benefit from implant pocket revision and lift(maybe)

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.

What is Wrong with my Breast Implants? How Can They Be Fixed? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast revision surgery

Answer: Breast revision surgery

Answer: You would benefit from implant pocket revision and lift(maybe)

Answer: You would benefit from implant pocket revision and lift(maybe)

Browse related questions

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.