Implant displacement: causes and treatment - Tu blog de medicina y cirugía estética

Many women are not satisfied with their breasts and decide to increase their size with breast implants. However, in some cases, these implants can move from the position where they were placed during surgery and shift downward, causing an undesirable aesthetic effect. But there is a solution! If this is your case—or if you’re worried it could happen to you (we’ll tell you in advance that it’s not common)—keep reading. We’ll explain the causes of implant displacement and give you some tips on how to prevent it.

Causes of implant displacement

There are several reasons why breast implants may shift from their original position. The main cause is choosing implants that are too large. The weight of an oversized implant can cause it to move downward, settling too low in relation to the natural position of the breast—that is, lower than the level of the nipple on the chest.

In these cases, the solution may involve:

Repositioning the implant to its correct location
Reinforcing the inframammary fold with sutures and, in some cases, with a surgical mesh to reshape the tissues and reduce the size of the implants when the tissues are too weak.

There are also other causes of implant displacement, which we will discuss below.

Excess pressure

Physical exertion too soon after surgery can cause implant displacement. Some women are used to exercising daily and using their arms extensively. If physical activity is resumed immediately after the operation, the implant may disrupt the capsule that forms around it and shift downward.
For this reason, it is essential to follow the timelines recommended by specialists before returning to physical exercise.

Lack of firmness

A lack of tissue firmness can also cause implant displacement. Women with lax tissues, those who have experienced significant weight loss, or who have had multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding periods may have reduced breast tissue firmness. In these cases, the tissues may not adequately support the implant, allowing it to slide downward.

Poor tissue adhesion

This is another cause of breast implant displacement. Depending on the type of implant used, adhesion to the tissue may vary. In general, smooth or semi-smooth implants carry a higher risk of displacement than textured implants. Textured implants have a thicker surface, which allows them to adhere better to the breast tissue and reduces the likelihood of implant movement.

Preventing breast implant displacement

Choosing the ideal implant

Selecting the right implant size for your body is essential to prevent downward displacement. When choosing the implant, not only the patient’s measurements are considered, but also the quality of the tissues that will support it. If these tissues are strong and the skin is firm, with good consistency and tone, the risk of implant displacement is lower.

Proper post-operative care

During the post-operative period, as with any situation involving risk, it is recommended to wear an underwire bra rather than a sports bra. An underwire bra stabilizes the lower pole of the breast in the position achieved after surgery and also provides compression in the inframammary fold. This helps the capsule form in the correct position and prevents the implant from shifting downward.

Consulting a specialist surgeon

This is the most important recommendation to prevent breast implant displacement: consult a specialist. The surgeon will carry out an individualized assessment and, based on this, recommend the most suitable type of implant, the appropriate size, and the correct placement. They will also provide post-operative guidelines, which are essential to minimize the risk of implant displacement.

Treatment for breast implant displacement

The treatment used to correct implant displacement is a revision surgery. This procedure involves repositioning the implant to a higher position and suturing the inframammary fold to restore its correct placement. In some cases, it may be necessary to change the size of the implants if they are too large, and surgical meshes can also be used to provide additional support and stability. For more information, consult with our specialists at Clínica Planas, who will address all your questions with a personalized approach.

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