How Do Breast Implants “Bottom Out”?

September 14th, 2017 | Posted in: Breast Implants | Tags: breast implant surgery Beverly hills

Nobody likes hitting the bottom or “bottoming out” when it comes to breast implants, which occurs when implants slip below the natural or surgically lowered inframammary crease, causing a much lower breast crease. Nipples and the areola complex may also tilt upward as the result of breast implants heading south, while any inflammatory scars may travel upward towards the lower breast mound.

Typically, those at most risk for bottoming out experienced an over-dissection of the implant pocket during the initial surgery or if the implant is too big or heavy for the amount of skin and underlying breast tissue. The placement of the implant also plays a key role, because if your implants were placed fully underneath chest muscle, there is a much lower risk that they will bottom out than if they were placed above the muscle or partially below muscle.

If you have undergone breast implant surgery in Beverly Hills, it is important to know the best practices in case something goes wrong.

Revision Surgery

The only way to correct bottoming-out is through revision surgery, which often times may mean removing the implants and allowing a period of several months for the old pocket to heal and recover. In less extreme cases, however, implant pockets can be surgically revised, where the pocket is either doubled over on itself to seal the break or when permanent sutures are applied to support the implant. Both of these options have consequences for remove and replace operations because the stitches left behind often will cause scarring.

Another route would be to use tissue substitutes such as Alloderm or Strattice to hold the breast up and to support the implant. Products such as these are used to create a structural brace for women who do not have enough tissue of their own. For some, a breast lift (mastopexy), with possible removal of skin along the inframammary fold, might be needed as well.

Ways to Prevent

The very best results of breast augmentations occur if and only if implants stay inside of the pocket. One crucial variable that is always needed in any breast enlargement surgery is the initial skill of the chosen physician. So, in choosing for any plastic surgeon, carefully consider the surgeon’s resume, their various patient testimonials, as well as inquire about his or her actual complication rates to compare to those rates found in other implant manufacturer’s studies.

Also take note of other procedure variables that will likely reduce the risk of bottoming out, such as a transaxillary incision, which does not cut the bottom of the breast (or really very much breast tissue at all) so there is less risk of bottoming out.

Submuscular placement can also reduce the risk, with the likelihood of bottoming out often completely eliminated if the implant is placed completely under the muscle. This uncommon sort of placement does pose serious risks that might outweigh the benefits, so be sure to consult with a physician first.

Remember as well to be certain that the implant size used is appropriate to the amount of breast tissue present preoperatively. Implants that are too large are likely to bottom out. Even consider using silicone gel instead of saline because silicone gel implants are less dense than saline implants.

Last but not least, follow all instructions for postoperative care dutifully. It is especially important not to rush back to routine exercises that will add unnecessary stress on the bottom of the pocket. Make sure also to wear an appropriate supportive bra following breast augmentation so that the tissue is not forced to bear the entire weight of the implant.

Breast Revision and Breast Implant Surgery Beverly Hills

Breast implants are supposed to make you look and feel better, so if a breast implant surgery in Beverly Hills does not provide good results, there seems to be no point in going through the pains of an expensive and somewhat risky procedure.

If you are concerned about bottoming out, ask your board-certified plastic surgeon if you are at risk and what steps can be taken to minimize your risk. To learn more about how to receive the best breast augmentation treatment out there, schedule a consultation with a local cosmetic surgeon by contacting Dr. Gabriel Chiu, a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose utmost goal is to help his patients achieve their personal aesthetic goals in a caring and relaxing environment.