Sometimes, implants are placed too widely across the woman’s chest. This can cause the breasts to point outward, drop out of place, or slide into a position that is not natural.
In this case, the position of the implants is addressed by modifying the pocket in the breast tissue where the implants rest on the chest wall.
How breast implant size is changed depends on the type of implant. Silicone gel implants must be completely removed surgically and changed to a new implant. Saline implants are easier, as the amount of sterile solution may be changed through a small incision. If the patient wants larger saline implants but the size of the saline shell is too small to accommodate more solution, a new implant must be placed.
Sometimes patients decide to change from saline to silicone implant, or vice versa. This may be done for many reasons. Some patients decide to switch to saline implants due to visible rippling on the sides of the breast from existing saline implants, for example.
Capsular contracture is a complication of breast implant surgery that causes hard scar tissue to form around the implant. This scar tissue squeezes the implant and may make the breast feel firm or hard.
It can also affect the shape, position, and appearance of the implants. Patients who have severe capsular contracture must have the scar tissue removed with a capsulectomy. In less severe cases, the scar tissue can be surgically released with an incision to free the implants to their normal position for a more natural appearance and feel.
Breast implants may be placed above or below the pectoral muscle. Dr. Shapiro typically prefers placing implants below the muscle, as this produces a more natural feeling and appearance by giving the implant the additional “padding” of more tissue to hide the implant shape. It also reduces the risk of complications like capsular contracture.
Dr. Shapiro can move the implant position from above the muscle to below the muscle or vice versa.
Patient is a 45-year-old female who had a previous breast augmentation and had noticed progressive hardening and distortion of both breasts. She felt that her breasts were too full superiorly with loss of inferior pole volume and asymmetry of her breast folds. She desired softer, more symmetric and voluptuous breasts. She was a B cup breast and wanted to be a full C cup, she is 5’8” and weighed 135 lbs.
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If you currently have the recalled implants but do not have any symptoms of BIA-ALCL, it is not advised that you remove them unless they are older (8 to 10 years). However, you are urged to consult with your doctor to determine if breast implant exchange, implant removal, or a breast lift is the right option for you.
Dr. Shapiro has over 28 years of experience in helping patients in Scottsdale and the Paradise Valley achieve greater confidence with breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast implant revision procedures. If you are concerned about your current implants or are interested to learn more about which implants may be right for you, please reach out to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Shapiro is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience in his field. With impressive technical skill and a talent for creating natural-looking results, his practice has become a leading destination for discerning patients throughout the country.
Known for his compassion and honesty, Dr. Shapiro strives to educate his patients so that they are empowered about their care. He carefully explains the procedures, expected results, and techniques in a way that anyone can understand. Additionally, he personally guides his clients every step of the way – from the initial consultation to their post-operative care – to ensure an enjoyable experience and the best possible results.
