How To Fix Breast Implant Bottoming Out
Bottoming out is a common concern for women who have breast implants. What exactly is bottoming out? It’s when your implant drops below the level of the natural breast mound that it was supposed to sit on. This can happen in the first few months after your surgery, or years later, depending on how you take care of yourself after the actual procedure. Some people can avoid bottoming out easily through simple changes like keeping your arms over your head while swimming, but others might need more drastic measures like surgery (revisionary procedures) to fix bottoming out issues.
After undergoing breast augmentation, many women enjoy their beautiful new breasts. However, a small number of patients may experience bothersome complications after their procedure. Bottoming out can occur when one or both implants slip below the crease where they were initially placed, which can make the breasts appear unbalanced and unattractive.
What Is Bottoming Out?
Bottoming out occurs when the implants slide below the lower part of your breasts, causing them to settle too low on the chest. This can happen gradually over time or right after your breast augmentation surgery. It is more likely to occur in women whose breast implants are too large in proportion to their natural breast tissue, but it can also happen when there is surgical over-dissection of the breast pocket or disruption of supportive structures at the bottom of your breasts. Bottoming out is often a result of the following factors:
Identifying the Problem
There are many ways to determine if your implants are bottoming out. When implants start moving downward, you may notice your nipples begin to turn slightly upward. The nipple-areolar complex will appear somewhat higher on the breast, causing it to look “too pointy” and unnatural.
Sometimes, bottoming out may cause your scar to look as though it is moving up on the breast. The fallen implant, or implants, will have dropped below the natural breast fold, which moves the scar up and often creates a new fold on the chest. Other ways to know if your implants are bottoming out include:
How Breast Revision Surgery Can Help
When bottoming out occurs, the best thing to do is contact your surgeon so the issue can be corrected with breast revision surgery. Depending on the amount of correction needed, your implants may need to be replaced or even removed entirely.
During your procedure, Dr. Burnett will perform a capsulorrhaphy to tighten the implant pocket. Capsulorrhaphy includes the removal of excess skin, repositioning the implants higher to restore their shape, and recreating tissue support. Your implants may also need to be exchanged for a smaller size to alleviate stress on weakened breast tissue and produce a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In more severe cases, the implants will be taken out altogether.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
While some women may need their implants replaced after experiencing complications, such as implant rupture or bottoming out, others may be in need of a more extensive breast revision surgery due to progressive capsular contracture.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications that can occur following breast augmentation. The body automatically reacts to any foreign object, including a breast implant, by forming a scar tissue capsule around it. When breast implants are placed into the chest, the body will attempt to isolate them by creating a protective barrier of scar tissue.
When the scar tissue that develops is too thick, it will begin to harden and squeeze the implant, which can lead to aesthetic complications and discomfort. Capsular contracture can produce the following issues:
If you are experiencing any of the above complications after a breast augmentation, you must see your surgeon right away.
Capsulotomy Procedure
There is no need to worry if you are suffering from capsular contracture, as this condition can be addressed using a capsulectomy or capsulotomy. Capsulectomy can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with capsular contracture by surgically removing the surrounding scar tissue to make the breasts softer. Capsulotomy involves releasing the scar tissue capsule to create more room for the implant and restore a more natural look and feel. This procedure does not typically require the removal or replacement of the implants unless they are defective. However, in more severe cases, both the scar tissue and the implants may be removed completely. Whether your implants are bottoming out, ruptured, or need to be removed, Dr. Burnett will make sure your breast revision procedure provides you with natural and aesthetically pleasing results as well as giving you the breast profile you desire.
In this guide, we find out How To Fix Breast Implant Bottoming Out, breast implant bottom out pain, how common is bottoming out implants, and breast implant displacement symptoms.
How To Fix Breast Implant Bottoming Out
It’s normal for patients to have questions about their breast implant bottoming out. This can happen in the first few months after your surgery, or years later, depending on how you take care of yourself after the actual procedure. Bottoming out means that your implants are sitting too low and not where they should be; this is usually an issue with saline breast implants because silicone gel implants want to stay where they are placed naturally. Here’s a quick guide on what bottoming out is, why it happens and how to avoid it:
What is breast implant bottoming out?
Breast implant bottoming out is when the tissue around your breast implants starts to stretch and descend, which can cause rippling and sagging under your skin.
The cause of bottomed-out breasts is that over time, the tissues surrounding the implant may stretch out from weight gain or pregnancy, causing them to sag down below the breast.
Symptoms include:
- Rippling or wrinkling in areas around your breasts
- Sagging skin on top of your breasts
Causes of breast implant bottoming out.
Breast implant bottoming out can be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be due to an error in the breast augmentation surgery, such as cutting more muscle than necessary or not enough tissue being used to cover the implant. Often, those who have had breast implants for many years will experience some shifting and downward movement of the implant. Most often this can be corrected with conservative measures like massage therapy or by wearing bras with wider straps, but it’s possible that if left untreated long enough it could require a revision surgery.
How to fix breast implant bottoming out.
The first step to fixing bottoming out is to talk to your surgeon. They may recommend that you wear a bra that provides support, or they could recommend an additional surgery. If they don’t think surgery is necessary, they will likely give you instructions on how to avoid any traumatic movements that could result in the implants moving or bottoming out again.
If the bottoming out was caused by a change in body weight, it’s important for you not only to maintain your current weight but also not gain any more weight for at least six months after the procedure and up until three years after having them done (depending on what kind of implant was used). This can be difficult as most people are trying to lose weight after surgery anyway! It might also help if there were some specific things that weren’t allowed during this time period such as smoking or alcohol consumption which could affect the healing process negatively too!
If your surgeon performed the surgery correctly and you followed the post-op instructions, there is a very slim chance of it happening to you.
If you have concerns about your results, or if your plastic surgeon performed the surgery correctly, there is a very slim chance of it happening to you. If this happens, it’s important that you contact your surgeon and let him/her know. They may want to take a look at their technique and see what they could have done better.
There are also other factors that might be contributing to breast implant bottoming out, such as:
- Not following post-operative instructions
- Smoking cigarettes before or after surgery
If these are causing problems for you after surgery and recovery, talk with your doctor about how he/she can help prevent this from happening again in the future!
breast implant bottom out pain
After undergoing breast augmentation, many women enjoy their beautiful new breasts. However, a small number of patients may experience bothersome complications after their procedure. Bottoming out can occur when one or both implants slip below the crease where they were initially placed, which can make the breasts appear unbalanced and unattractive. Silicone breast
What Is Bottoming Out?
Bottoming out occurs when the implants slide below the lower part of your breasts, causing them to settle too low on the chest. This can happen gradually over time or right after your breast augmentation surgery. It is more likely to occur in women whose breast implants are too large in proportion to their natural breast tissue, but it can also happen when there is surgical over-dissection of the breast pocket or disruption of supportive structures at the bottom of your breasts. Bottoming out is often a result of the following factors:
Identifying the Problem
There are many ways to determine if your implants are bottoming out. When implants start moving downward, you may notice your nipples begin to turn slightly upward. The nipple-areolar complex will appear somewhat higher on the breast, causing it to look “too pointy” and unnatural.
Sometimes, bottoming out may cause your scar to look as though it is moving up on the breast. The fallen implant, or implants, will have dropped below the natural breast fold, which moves the scar up and often creates a new fold on the chest. Other ways to know if your implants are bottoming out include:
How Breast Revision Surgery Can Help
When bottoming out occurs, the best thing to do is contact your surgeon so the issue can be corrected with breast revision surgery. Depending on the amount of correction needed, your implants may need to be replaced or even removed entirely.
During your procedure, Dr. Burnett will perform a capsulorrhaphy to tighten the implant pocket. Capsulorrhaphy includes the removal of excess skin, repositioning the implants higher to restore their shape, and recreating tissue support. Your implants may also need to be exchanged for a smaller size to alleviate stress on weakened breast tissue and produce a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In more severe cases, the implants will be taken out altogether.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
While some women may need their implants replaced after experiencing complications, such as implant rupture or bottoming out, others may be in need of a more extensive breast revision surgery due to progressive capsular contracture.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications that can occur following breast augmentation. The body automatically reacts to any foreign object, including a breast implant, by forming a scar tissue capsule around it. When breast implants are placed into the chest, the body will attempt to isolate them by creating a protective barrier of scar tissue.
When the scar tissue that develops is too thick, it will begin to harden and squeeze the implant, which can lead to aesthetic complications and discomfort. Capsular contracture can produce the following issues:
If you are experiencing any of the above complications after a breast augmentation, you must see your surgeon right away.
Capsulotomy Procedure
There is no need to worry if you are suffering from capsular contracture, as this condition can be addressed using a capsulectomy or capsulotomy. Capsulectomy can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with capsular contracture by surgically removing the surrounding scar tissue to make the breasts softer. Capsulotomy involves releasing the scar tissue capsule to create more room for the implant and restore a more natural look and feel. This procedure does not typically require the removal or replacement of the implants unless they are defective. However, in more severe cases, both the scar tissue and the implants may be removed completely. Whether your implants are bottoming out, ruptured, or need to be removed, Dr. Burnett will make sure your breast revision procedure provides you with natural and aesthetically pleasing results as well as giving you the breast profile you desire.
how common is bottoming out implants
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular and safe cosmetic procedures performed each day in Beverly Hills. It is a plastic surgery that uses a saline or silicone breast implant to enhance the size, shape, and look of the breasts. Most women who undergo this treatment love their results and the vast majority do not have complications. However, there is sometimes the possibility of a complication occurring. Even though it is rare, some women will have what is known as a “bottoming out” implant.
So, what is a bottoming out breast implant?
“Bottoming out” occurs when a new implant loses internal support (i.e., the underlying muscle is too weak or your skin cannot hold it in place properly). This causes it to sink down toward the lower part of the breast area. Common symptoms of a bottoming out breast implant include:
The most common cause of bottoming out is weakness and a lack of elasticity in the breast tissue or skin, or both. When the tissue is strong and there is healthy elasticity, the breast implant will appear normal and symmetric on the chest wall. When there is weak tissue structure and poor elasticity, it is difficult for the implant to stay at a healthy position and it becomes easier for the implant to drop downward. This weakness can be caused by a number of issues, including a dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, nursing, aging, and smoking. In addition, one of the larger areas of concern for implants that bottom out, is physician error.
Let’s take a further look on how to reduce implant bottoming out.
How Implant Bottoming Out Can Be Prevented
Surgeon Skill
One of the best things you can do to prevent bottoming out is ensure you’re working with an experienced board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who will get things right the first time. Make sure your surgeon is board certified and experienced with all types of breast augmentation surgeries. Look at his or her past work to make sure they’ll yield the results you’re looking for. It’s also important to work with a surgeon who doesn’t pressure you to choose implants bigger than what you’re comfortable with. The surgeon should be very knowledgeable about the type of implant to use, where to place it, choosing an implant that is of appropriate size and weight, and not performing augmentation if an underlying issue exists. With a sea of plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area, it’s crucial you do your research so you find the right one who can deliver the results you desire.
Choose the Right Implant
Choosing the right implant for augmentation surgery is a big part of the consultation process. It is important to choose the proper size, shape, and texture to attain an appealing result. Smaller implants that are lighter in weight hold less risk for bottoming out while larger, heavier implants can ascend quicker and may hold a higher risk. In other words, sometimes, bigger is not always better. Implant type may matter in some cases. Silicone implants are less dense than saline implants. Because of this, they’re less likely to bottom out. Implant texture and surface can also help keep the implant in place. All of these factors can be discussed during the consultation and during implant selection. If bottoming out is a concern, this should be discussed in detail at this time.
Implant Placement
In most breast augmentation cases, the implant will be placed under the pectoral muscle (known as submuscularly). Placement of the implant under the pectoral muscle rather than on top helps support and keep the implant in proper position. When breast implants are placed on top of the muscle rather than submuscularly, bottoming out is more likely.
Visible Laxity Problems
Visible, obvious breast sag and poor skin laxity can potentially lead to bottoming out if an implant is placed in a sagging breast. Many times, this can be seen before you even consider implants. If a surgeon places implants in a sagging breast, or one that has a weak structure or poor laxity, the risk increases for issues, including bottoming out.
Know Your Body
Have you recently lost a lot of weight or just finished breastfeeding your baby? Have you noticed the skin on your chest has become thinner and weaker overall due to aging or nursing? These changes can be visible on the surface and also underneath. Discuss these issues with your breast surgeon and ask if breast augmentation is right for you. If your chances of bottoming out are high, then a breast lift or another type of reconstructive surgery may need to occur first before placement of the implant.
Follow All Post-Op Instructions
Following all of your surgeon’s post-op instructions will also significantly lower your chances of experiencing a bottoming out implant. Some of the most important instructions to heed include:
Consistently wearing a supportive bra is particularly important, especially if you opted for very large implants. This will help keep your breasts in place while your muscles adjust to the additional weight.
Your Breast Implant is Bottoming Out. Now What?
The only option to remedy bottoming out implants is to undergo corrective surgery, typically in the form of a breast revision or breast lift procedure. Sometimes, before this procedure can take place, you’ll need to have your implants removed to let your breast tissue and the pockets heal. To support the weight of the new implant, the surgeon will likely perform some type of reconstruction using an anchoring structure, a matrice, or possibly a graft. The pocket that holds the implant will also be surgically reshaped to hold and support a new implant. The goal is to get the surgery right the first time so that bottoming out is not an issue for you.
breast implant displacement symptoms
When women get breast augmentation, they expect to have the silhouette they have always wanted. Though complications from breast implants are not common, they do happen on occasion. This is why it is important for patients to recognize the signs of problems early before they become more serious in the future. One complication some people experience is referred to as bottoming out. But what is bottoming out with breast implants?
If you have had breast surgery and believe your implants are bottoming out, dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi can assess whether a revision procedure is needed. Because Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery places the safety of patients as our highest priority, we take the time to provide education and resources about potential problems. Learn about breast implant bottoming out symptoms by scheduling a private consultation in Louisville, KY.
What is bottoming out with breast implants?
Many of our patients ask before getting augmentation surgery – what is bottoming out with breast implants? This condition occurs when the skin and underlying tissue are unable to hold the breast implant in place. If there is no adequate support, the implant falls down below the crease. Bottoming out usually happens to women with little natural tissue and skin coverage. Implant placement is also known to play a role.
Choosing the right implant is a significant part of your original breast augmentation surgery. Large implants are heavier and carry a greater risk for bottoming out. Other times, the skin loses laxity due to aging, hormonal changes, breastfeeding, or weight loss. In these circumstances, the implant may be too heavy for the tissue to support it. This often leads to the breast implant bottoming out.
Breast implant bottoming out signs and symptoms
If you believe that there is a problem with one or both of your breast implants, call Dr. Mizuguchi for an evaluation of your situation. Even if we were not the clinic that performed your original breast augmentation, we are happy to help patients in Louisville, KY. Learn the most common breast implant bottoming out signs and symptoms by reading the following:
Loss of volume in the upper breast. Because the implant has shifted downward, the upper part of the breast may have less volume than before. Patients may also notice an increase in volume and increased pressure in the lower breast.
Upward pointing nipples. When the breast implant shifts downward, the nipples turn upward as a result. The nipple-areolar complex may also seem higher on the breast than before.
Double bubble deformity. A double bubble occurs when women notice two distinct mounds on the breast. One mound is the natural breast tissue, while the other is the displaced breast implant.
Rising inframammary scar. For patients who had a breast augmentation with an inframammary incision, bottoming out causes the scar to rise upward on the breast. This may even create new folds lower on the chest.
Pain or discomfort. Breast implant bottoming out signs include discomfort in the lower breast, especially if it is accompanied by an increase in pressure on the lower chest.
How breast revision surgery works
The professionals at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery can properly diagnose breast implant bottoming out symptoms and create a plan of action moving forward. One suggestion we might make is a procedure called breast revision surgery. Revision surgery can either replace or remove your breast implants to correct the bottoming out and make your silhouette seem balanced once again. Breast lift surgery may also be necessary to correct any loose or hanging skin if you choose to remove your implants. During your consultation with Dr. Mizuguchi, we can review your options together in-office.
Is your breast implant bottoming out?
If you are a woman in Louisville, KY who has experienced one of the listed breast implant bottoming out symptoms, reach out to dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi and schedule an appointment. Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery offers a high quality of care that goes far above and beyond other clinics. We also spend plenty of time with each patient to ensure they fully understand what is involved with their plastic surgery procedures. Contact us now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mizuguchi about breast augmentation and revision surgery.