Breast implant malposition simply means the implant has shifted to the wrong place. This problem is acquired gradually over time. The implant can end up positioned too high, too low, too close together or too far apart, inevitably distorting the shape of the breast. Breasts that were once symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing begin to appear misshapen and out of proportion with one another, requiring revision surgery.

Dr. Phil Richardson of Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery corrects malposition at the right time for optimal results with implant revision surgery. Dr. Richardson has had much success restoring shifted, augmented breasts to a natural, more appealing position. Results are often superior to those produced by the original surgeon.

When should revision surgery be considered?

Early in the post-operative period, it is normal for breasts to appear to be too high. Implants usually settle into the correct position during the first year. If revision surgery is performed too early the breasts may continue to drop to a less than ideal position. Surgery to correct malposition should only be considered after the first 9-12 months have passed. By that time the implants are stable and revision surgery is more predictable.

What are specific types of breast implant malposition?

There are basically four types of implant malposition in Brisbane:

• High malposition is the most common form and the easiest to correct. Usually, this type is the result of the surgeon making a breast pocket for the implant too high on the chest, the pocket may have formed incorrectly, or the implant may have shifted upward inside a properly constructed pocket. Sometimes, capsular contracture is the problem. This a when troublesome scar tissue develops around the breast implant causing high malposition.
• Lateral (too far apart) malposition occurs when the breast implants move away from each other toward the arm pit area. Like high malposition, lateral malposition can result from either surgeon error or natural shifting.
• Inferior (too low) malposition results when implants move down too low on the chest, this happens most commonly with larger, heavier implants. This deformity can also result from a careless surgeon. Inferior malposition may have the appearance of a “bottomed out” breast. In rare instances, a “double bubble” effect occurs when the implant moves down behind where the breast meets the chest. It appears as though one pair of breasts was placed on top of another.
• Symmastia is a rare condition where breast implants shift toward each other, creating medial malposition and lifting the skin between the breasts upward. In severe cases, the implants meet, creating what appears to be one large breast in the middle of the chest. Like the other malposition types, this problem can result from the formation of pockets that are too close together.

Dr. Richardson has the expertise and experience to perform implant revision surgery for all types of malposition. The best surgical approach will be determined by the deformity type that needs correcting. Every patient should expect to achieve optimal results, along with information on how to discourage breast implant malposition from occurring again. For more information or schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Richardson online or at 1300 789 240.