HELP - 3 Months Post-Op Breast Lift/Aug
I had surgery on Oct 5th. All was clear and everything looked great as off Nov 14th when I took off to go to the states for leave. Within 48 hours of getting on the trans-atlantic plane, my right breast (which used to look PERFECT! - see pictures in my profile!) dropped. Now it looks like THIS (see below). Two months later, it still hasn't changed. When I bend over and feel the underside of my right breast it feels like a heavy half deflated zip lock bag - now remember I have the stable gummy bear implants so there's no "bag" involved in mine like saline or silicone flexible implants. When standing up, the top is fluffy soft like a marshmellow, the bottom (below the line) is hard and heavy like a solid, very little give. My left looks and feels totally fine.
Has ANYONE had their breast do this? Did it ever even out? I'm kinda freaking out, especially not getting any responses from anyone.
My surgeon has now left the Clinic for a new research job on the other side of the Country and I can't seem to get ahold of him and the Clinic says "talk to the surgeon" (even though my contract was with the CLINIC not the doctor).
AS OF NOV 14:
AS OF NOV 16TH (AND SINCE THEN):
PLEASE HELP!
Cass
Has ANYONE had their breast do this? Did it ever even out? I'm kinda freaking out, especially not getting any responses from anyone.
My surgeon has now left the Clinic for a new research job on the other side of the Country and I can't seem to get ahold of him and the Clinic says "talk to the surgeon" (even though my contract was with the CLINIC not the doctor).
AS OF NOV 14:
AS OF NOV 16TH (AND SINCE THEN):
PLEASE HELP!
Cass
(deactivated member)
on 1/14/10 6:24 pm - Haleiwa, HI
on 1/14/10 6:24 pm - Haleiwa, HI
Hi Cass,
I am so sorry that you are going through this. I have seen a couple of pictures like this before, and I think it is called capsular contraction or it could be a double bubble. Do you have unders or overs? I hope you find some help soon!
Jessica
I am so sorry that you are going through this. I have seen a couple of pictures like this before, and I think it is called capsular contraction or it could be a double bubble. Do you have unders or overs? I hope you find some help soon!
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I have under the muscle implants. although on that breast it sure doesn't feel like it's "under" as it feels like a half empty zip bag stuff right under the skin. :-(
The thing with the 410 implants is that it is a firm gel - there should be any "wiggle" like normal implants have so this whole "waterbed" wiggle as my fiance' calls it is totally weird.
Cass
I have under the muscle implants. although on that breast it sure doesn't feel like it's "under" as it feels like a half empty zip bag stuff right under the skin. :-(
The thing with the 410 implants is that it is a firm gel - there should be any "wiggle" like normal implants have so this whole "waterbed" wiggle as my fiance' calls it is totally weird.
Cass
Dear Cass,
It's hard to know exactly what has caused your breast deformity but I can certainly speculate. It looks as though the implant has bottomed out, and the visible ridge is from your retracted pectoralis muscle. You can see the outline of your pec muscle from just under your armpit and follow the edge to where the dimple is located.
During a breast augmentation, the plastic surgeon may release the lower attachments of the pec muscle to make room for the implant. This can make a potential weakness in the lower part of the breast that can lead to implant migration.
Also, if the muscle is released too much, it can retract upwards and lead to a possible deformity.
Another possibility is that the implant has ruptured.
If you can not contact your plastic surgeon, my best advice is to seek an PS that lives near you who is an expert in breast augmentation revisions.
Sincerely,
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
It's hard to know exactly what has caused your breast deformity but I can certainly speculate. It looks as though the implant has bottomed out, and the visible ridge is from your retracted pectoralis muscle. You can see the outline of your pec muscle from just under your armpit and follow the edge to where the dimple is located.
During a breast augmentation, the plastic surgeon may release the lower attachments of the pec muscle to make room for the implant. This can make a potential weakness in the lower part of the breast that can lead to implant migration.
Also, if the muscle is released too much, it can retract upwards and lead to a possible deformity.
Another possibility is that the implant has ruptured.
If you can not contact your plastic surgeon, my best advice is to seek an PS that lives near you who is an expert in breast augmentation revisions.
Sincerely,
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery - Sarasota-Bradenton, FL www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery - Sarasota-Bradenton, FL www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
Really impossible to tell without an exam, but the major concern with form stable implants is rotation or movement of the implant within the pocket. Gummy bear implants must be placed in a pocket that fits "hand in glove." WLS patients with loose skin are generally not considered good candidates. Your upper torso skin looks pretty good, but again I can't say without an exam.
A (seroma) may have accumulated at the top of your impalnt pocket if the implant that moved in the pocket...that is what may be accounting for your "marshmellow" at the top and hard at the bottom. Obviously, rupture is not possible. Scarring or contacture could be at play too, but generalized hardness is what usually results from that.
Do get in to see someone, and please keep us posted.
A (seroma) may have accumulated at the top of your impalnt pocket if the implant that moved in the pocket...that is what may be accounting for your "marshmellow" at the top and hard at the bottom. Obviously, rupture is not possible. Scarring or contacture could be at play too, but generalized hardness is what usually results from that.
Do get in to see someone, and please keep us posted.
John LoMonaco, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Plastic Surgery
Houston, Texas
www.DrLoMonaco.com
www.BodyLiftHouston.com
Plastic Surgery
Houston, Texas
www.DrLoMonaco.com
www.BodyLiftHouston.com
Being a Dr., it shouldn't be THAT hard to locate him! Even ask the clinic directly. When you get his email addy, I'd sure send him the above two pics; they are very self-explanatory to see that you are not exaggerating and see what his response is. Call wherever he is first if you can't get his email addy. Just don't wait too long. I'd put my foot down at the clinic - have you spoken to the Director? If not, bring your pics and do so, IMO. Good luck.