Many women face the risk of breast implant malposition, commonly known as implant shifting, after breast augmentation surgery. This can be a challenging and distressing experience for patients.
Dr Hertess is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is here to guide you every step of the way. This blog will help you understand what breast implant displacement involves, what causes it, the signs to look out for, and effective ways to treat it.
To make things even more clear, we will also be sharing implant displacement pictures. By comprehensively understanding these risks, you can make more informed decisions about your own breast augmentation journey.
Breast implant malposition occurs when breast implants shift from their original position in the breast pocket. This can result in an uneven, distorted appearance of the breasts, causing dissatisfaction and discomfort for the patient.
This can happen and is not a surgical error, where breast implants become loose, fall out of pocket, or shift. Breast implants can shift outwards to the side, downwards, upwards or towards the center of the chest These types of displacement and their breast revision options will be discussed in more detail below.
Image 1: Ptosis (sagging) of breast implants. Real patient of Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Women commonly ask, "How do you know if your breast implant has shifted?"
This complication is an easy one to spot. Here are some tell-tale symptoms that your breast implant has shifted:
Other than these physical symptoms, patients may also experience emotional discomfort due to the changes in their breast appearance.
Getting implants isn't always straightforward - factors such as surgical techniques, the size and shape of the implant, breast implant myths and even your body's healing process can all impact the final result.
"Just as with a new pair of heels, there's a 'breaking-in' period for implants too - typically around three months after augmentation surgery. But sometimes, things don't go as planned and we run into what's known as implant displacement'," says Dr Hertess.
This can happen for various reasons, including:
Being aware of these potential risks is an integral part of making the decision that's right for you.
Image 2: Asymmetrical appearance of breast implants caused by bottoming out of the right breast implant.
There are different types of implant displacement, and each type has its own causes and treatment options. Most of the time, these complications will be experienced three months after the surgery as the implant settles.
High displacement is when an implant shifts to a higher and upward position - a 12 o'clock position.
Image 3: High displacement. Real patient of Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon demonstrating high displacement of implants, in this case caused by capsular contracture.
Image 4: Capsular contracture of left breast implant. This image is a real patient of Dr. Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
The best way to treat this displacement is through revision surgery. This will involve removing the implant, adjusting the pocket by releasing any overly tightened scar tissue, and then replacing the implant back into position.
Image 5: Capsular contracture. Real patient results by Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon. This patient had her implants removed and replaced in conjunction with a mastopexy (breast lift). The implants used were Motiva round 450cc.
Lateral displacement refers to the movement of an implant towards the sides of the chest, settling into a between 3 and 5 o'clock position. This can give the appearance of breast implants moving under armpit and can potentially result in the implant flipping. This is where the implant rolls around and flips on its back.
This lateral shift is most noticeable when lying down.
Image 6: Real patient of Dr. Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon demonstrating lateral displacement of implants.
The treatment to correct lateral displacement often involves revision surgery to tighten the breast implant pocket.
Image 7: Real patient results by Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon demonstrating correction of breast implant lateral displacement. The implants used were Mentor siltex 275cc.
Symmastia refers to a condition where breast implants meet at the centre, at a 9 o'clock position, and look like one large breast instead of two distinct breasts.
Image 8: Symmastia correction. Image sourced from Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 39, Issue 8, August 2019, Pages 863–872, Iatrogenic Symmastia: Causes and Suggested Repair Technique. Not a patient of Dr Hertess.
The treatment to correct symmastia displacement (uni-boob) often involves revision surgery to:
Image 9: Bottoming out of breast implants. Real patient of Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
What is it?
Bottoming out is where breast implants move to a lower position than planned - at a 6 o'clock angle, or below the breast fold. This is right where your bra should be, making it quite uncomfortable.
This unexpected shift can make the nipples appear high, sometimes even peeking above the bra, and often making the surgical scar more visible as the implant slides down.
Causes
Bottoming out can occur due to several factors.
Treatment Options
The most effective way to remedy bottoming out is through corrective surgery. This often involves repositioning the implant and restitching the fold of the breast to ensure it holds securely.
Image 10: Removal and replacement of bottomed out breast implants. Real patient results by Dr Hertess Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Implants used were Mentor smooth round moderate profile left 400cc, right 325cc.
Those most at risk for displacement include:
Understanding these risks is the first step in making informed decisions about your health and appearance. It's always best to consult with a professional, like Dr Hertess, to discuss these factors before getting breast implants.
Minimising risk, especially when it comes to your health, is critical. Here are some simple and easy ways for you to do so:
A flipped breast implant can be corrected with pocket tightening surgery, performed by a specialist plastic surgeon.
You may be able to manually flip a breast implant. However, if your implant flipping is a recurring issue, it requires a surgical procedure to tighten the implant pocket.
Yes, breast implants can be repositioned using a variety of surgical techniques. Consult your surgeon for the best option for you.
A shifted breast implant can be fixed by a skilled plastic surgeon via revision surgery.
Symmastia is not often painful, yet it can cause discomfort and alter the appearance of your chest.
There are no specific exercises to correct displaced breast implants. Surgical intervention is the only way to correct displacement.
Revision surgery should be considered if you are unhappy with the results or experiencing complications. It's best to wait at least 3 months for your implants to heal and settle before considering a second surgery.
To discuss your options for breast augmentation, or breast implant revision surgery, then book a consultation with Dr Hertess on the Gold Coast today.
Dr Hertess (MED0001372020) Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Specialist Registration in Surgery - Plastic Surgery).