Regardless of how well breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery is performed or the type of implant used in the procedure, implant malposition remains a risk. Implant malposition refers to the implant moving out of its optimal position so that it distorts the shape of the breast. In general, implant malposition occurs over time and can cause the breasts to appear unnatural, misshapen, and out of proportion with one another.
At the plastic surgery practice of Dr. Phil Richardson in Brisbane, breast implant revision for malposition is available to women whose past breast surgery results have been impacted by the shifting of one or both breast implants. If you are experiencing implant malposition after breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Richardson can help you.
Types of Implant Malposition
There are four basic types of implant malposition:
- High malposition: This type of malposition is the most common and also the easiest to correct. It is often the result of a plastic surgeon creating the pocket in which the implant is placed too high on the chest; however, it can also be the result of the implant simply shifting toward the upper part of a properly created pocket. In some cases, capsular contracture, a condition in which a stiff layer of scar tissue forms around the implant, causes high malposition.
- Lateral malposition: This type of malposition is characterized by the breast implants moving away from each other toward the underarms. As with cases of high malposition, lateral malposition can result from either surgeon error or from the natural shifting of the implant.
- Inferior malposition: This type of malposition, in which the breast implants move to a position too low on the chest, occurs more commonly with larger, heavier implants. It can also result from surgeon error. It occurs when the implant shifts down behind the natural fold at the base of the breast, where the breast meets the chest. As a result, it appears as though one pair of breasts is located on top of another pair.
- Symmastia: Symmastia refers to the rare condition in which the breast implants move toward each other, pushing the skin between the breasts upward. In severe cases, the implants can actually meet, creating the appearance of a single large breast in the middle of the chest.
Dr. Richardson has the skill and experience to perform breast implant revision surgery for each of these types of malposition. The surgical technique used depends on the type of deformity being corrected. In all cases, patients can expect all the information they need to discourage malposition from occurring again in the future.
Learn More about Breast Implant Revision for Malposition
To learn more about breast implant revision for malposition, please contact Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery today.