How To Tell If Your Breast Implants Bottomed Out

With the vast majority of breast augmentation patients being overwhelmingly satisfied with their results, it is no surprise that breast implants continue to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures across the country year after year. For the most part, women who undergo breast augmentation enjoy a smooth and relatively comfortable process before, during, and after surgery. However, in rare cases, complications may occur. While most postoperative complications are not dangerous and can be corrected with a subsequent surgery, it is still important that patients are aware of the potential risks of breast augmentation and understand what signs and symptoms may point to a problem.

Although the risk of complication with breast implants is low overall, some of the more common issues that may arise in a small number of patients include capsular contracture, implant rupture, and – more rarely – bottoming out.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV consider patient health and safety a top priority and are committed to providing an unmatched level of service and care in order to minimize the risk of breast augmentation complications, like bottoming out. Furthermore, Dr. Khorsandi is proud to help women achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals through breast revision surgery if they are less than satisfied with the results of a previous procedure. Keep reading to learn more about breast implants bottoming out, including how it can happen, what signs to watch for, and how it can be corrected.

What is bottoming out?

In rare cases, women who undergo breast augmentation may experience a phenomenon known as bottoming out. This form of breast implant displacement, which can occur with either saline or silicone gel implants, is characterized by the implant dropping too low on the chest wall. This usually occurs due to a lack of implant support, which can be caused by a number of issues, including the patient’s skin elasticity or the placement of the implant.

What causes an implant to bottom out?

There are a variety of possible causes of bottomed out breast implants, many of which can be traced back to physician or surgical error. For this reason, it is even more important that patients select a highly qualified, board-certified, and experienced provider to perform their breast augmentation. Dr. Khorsandi is exceptionally familiar with the complexities and nuances of the procedure and takes great care to minimize the risk of any potential complications by using some of the most innovative, precise, and effective techniques and tools available today.

Some of the most common reasons that a breast implant may bottom out include:

• Weak skin due to aging
• Stretched out skin due to weight loss or breastfeeding
• Implant is too large/heavy
• Implant is placed above the muscle rather than underneath
• Improper surgical technique

How do I know if my implant has bottomed out?

As your breast implants begin to settle into place in the weeks and months following your surgery, it may take time to get used to their lower position compared to the immediate postoperative period. Rest assured, this is a normal and expected part of the healing process. However, if you start to feel that your implant may have dropped too much, it is possible that you could be experiencing bottoming out. Keep an eye out for these common signs and symptoms of a bottomed out breast implant:

• Nipples pointing upward rather than straight ahead
• Bulging, full appearance in the lower portion of the breast
• Excessive distance between the nipple and breast crease
• Feeling that the implant has slipped out of place
• Asymmetry between the breasts

Is fixing bottoming out implants possible?

If it is determined that your implants have bottomed out, try not to worry. Although it may be inconvenient, the complication can typically be corrected through bottoming out revision surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Khorsandi will reconstruct and reinforce the breast pocket to ensure the implant has adequate support and maintains its position. In some cases, it may be recommended that patients have their original implants replaced with smaller implants that are more appropriate for their frame and skin elasticity. Oftentimes, Dr. Khorsandi is able to use a patient’s original incisions during breast revision surgery in order to avoid additional scarring. In cases where the skin is severely sagging or drooping, Dr. Khorsandi may also recommend a breast lift to further enhance the results.

How can I prevent bottoming out?

Fortunately, cosmetic revision surgery allows bottomed out implants to be corrected, but preventing a complication in the first place is always the goal. Even with the most skilled surgeon, bottoming out is still possible, though there are some things patients can do to minimize their risk as much as possible, including:

• Choose an appropriately sized implant
• Have your implants placed under the muscle
• Closely follow your doctor’s postoperative guidelines
• Wear a supportive bra, particularly when exercising
• Do not smoke

Arguably the most effective way to prevent breast implants from bottoming out is to select a highly experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon. If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Las Vegas, NV, or think you may need breast revision surgery, call VIP Plastic Surgery today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with our Chief of Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi. You can also take advantage of our convenient online consultations from the comfort and privacy of your own home. We look forward to helping you achieve or restore a stunning, beautiful, feminine physique that you can finally feel confident about!