How to Correct Lateral Breast Implant Displacement

Updated for 2019

Lateral displacement of breast implants – when one or both implants have moved too far away from the median of the chest toward the upper arm – can be corrected through breast surgery revision.

The Development of Lateral Displacement

Excessive lateral fullness due to breast implant shift generally results from the surgical pocket for the implants not being placed in the chest during the initial procedure.

One of the primary signs of lateral displacement is a lack of cleavage, although this can also occur if the chosen implant diameter is too narrow for a patient’s chest. The other sign, of course, is visible implant migration away from the center of the chest.

For lateral displacement in subglandular implants, simply converting placement to under the muscle instead of a revision procedure is often enough to resolve the issue.

Correcting Lateral Displacement

There are two primary options for correcting lateral displacement for submuscular implants:

1. Capsulorrhaphy – During a capsulorrhaphy, the surgical capsule is tightened to prevent further sideways movement, or the outer edge may be closed off entirely with sutures. In some cases, a reconstructive tissue matrix such as Alloderm or Strattice may be incorporated for additional support.
2. Neopectoral Pocket – Alternatively, the implant may be removed entirely, and a new surgical pocket is created atop the previous capsule in the correct position to prevent repeated implant migration.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to live with breast augmentation results that you don’t love. If you notice that your implants have shifted in placement or you are otherwise dissatisfied with your new look, schedule a consultation with Dr. Campanile, a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast revision surgery to learn more about your options.