My breasts are really high, sitting in my armpits, hard, and unnaturally shaped. Could it be that my strong pec muscles are distorting the implants?

After having a lift and augmentation, my breasts are really high, sitting in my armpits, and have an extremely unnatural shape on top with sharp angles. I have very strong pec muscles and am concerned that they are distorting the implants. Could this be the case? If not, what could be causing these problems? Will they resolve on their own, or should I return to my surgeon for a correction?

Answers from doctors (13)


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Aug 11, 2016

If the surgery was recent, the implants are likely too high and have not yet "settled". But if the implants are becoming too high as a delayed effect, the patient may be experiencing a capsular contracture and needs to be evaluated by her local board-certified plastic surgeon.

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Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

If the surgery was recent, the implants are likely too high and have not yet "settled". But if the implants are becoming too high as a delayed effect, the patient may be experiencing a capsular contracture and needs to be evaluated by her local board-certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on May 30, 2016

You didn't say how long ago your surgery was. It takes months for swelling to resolve and the implants to settle. You should be following up with your surgeon.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

You didn't say how long ago your surgery was. It takes months for swelling to resolve and the implants to settle. You should be following up with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Your problem could be from one of these problems:

-pec was not released along the lower part of your breasts, thereby pushing the implants up (but it is not a matter of them being strong, per se)
-the implants were too big; breasts fill from the bottom up and so that could cause upper bulging
-the pocket was underdissected in the upper area
-the pocket was not low enough so the implant is pushed up
-there is scar tissue around the implants contracting around them
-you have an under-filled implant and the envelope is still loose, allowing the implant to fold and "knuckle," thereby creating the sharp angles


You should show this to your surgeon and get his/her opinion about it.

Answered by Steven Teitelbaum, M.D.. F.A.C.S (View Profile)

Your problem could be from one of these problems:

-pec was not released along the lower part of your breasts, thereby pushing the implants up (but it is not a matter of them being strong, per se)
-the implants were too big; breasts fill from the bottom up and so that could cause upper bulging
-the pocket was underdissected in the upper area
-the pocket was not low enough so the implant is pushed up
-there is scar tissue around the implants contracting around them
-you have an under-filled implant and the envelope is still loose, allowing the implant to fold and "knuckle," thereby creating the sharp angles


You should show this to your surgeon and get his/her opinion about it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

Published on May 10, 2016

You should always relay your concerns to your surgeon, but what you are describing is pretty typical for submuscular implants within the first 1-3 months as you heal and drop and fluff. Good luck!

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Answered by Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

You should always relay your concerns to your surgeon, but what you are describing is pretty typical for submuscular implants within the first 1-3 months as you heal and drop and fluff. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on May 07, 2016

Thank you for your question. Breast implants may appear too high, boxy, and unnatural in the early stages of postoperative healing. This is especially true if you have strong pectoral muscles or if the implant was placed completely beneath the muscle. Not wearing a bra, gentle downward massage, wearing a compression strap or band above the superior border of the implant, and taking a leucotriene inhibitor such as Singular may help improve the implant position and breast shape over time. If it's early in the healing process, don't worry. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Take care.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. Breast implants may appear too high, boxy, and unnatural in the early stages of postoperative healing. This is especially true if you have strong pectoral muscles or if the implant was placed completely beneath the muscle. Not wearing a bra, gentle downward massage, wearing a compression strap or band above the superior border of the implant, and taking a leucotriene inhibitor such as Singular may help improve the implant position and breast shape over time. If it's early in the healing process, don't worry. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Take care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on May 05, 2016

Thank you for your question.

When was your surgery? If it was within a month or two, then it is too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed. This is best done many months from now. At this point, I would suggest: rest, recovery, and patience. Also, always keep your communication open with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Thank you for your question.

When was your surgery? If it was within a month or two, then it is too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed. This is best done many months from now. At this point, I would suggest: rest, recovery, and patience. Also, always keep your communication open with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on May 04, 2016

The leaner and more muscular a patient is, the more this appearance is noted right after surgery. Give it 6 weeks. If you still have this look after 6 weeks, definitely follow up with your surgeon. He or she might give you a strap to wear on top of your pec muscles to encourage the implants to settle in the pocket. If this doesn't work, you might need a pocket revision. Keep in touch with your surgeon. Best of luck.

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Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

The leaner and more muscular a patient is, the more this appearance is noted right after surgery. Give it 6 weeks. If you still have this look after 6 weeks, definitely follow up with your surgeon. He or she might give you a strap to wear on top of your pec muscles to encourage the implants to settle in the pocket. If this doesn't work, you might need a pocket revision. Keep in touch with your surgeon. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on May 02, 2016

Unfortunately, you would need to be examined. Muscles rarely play a role in breast shape, however. If it is any time earlier than 3 months since your surgery, you should not be too concerned about their appearance, unless they are bizarre or asymmetric. Best of luck.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Unfortunately, you would need to be examined. Muscles rarely play a role in breast shape, however. If it is any time earlier than 3 months since your surgery, you should not be too concerned about their appearance, unless they are bizarre or asymmetric. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

Published on May 02, 2016

You should return to your original surgeon to discuss what is going on. There are many options to address your concerns, and your plastic surgeon will be able to go over all that suite you and your needs. Best of luck!

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Answered by Kathleen Waldorf M.D, FACS

You should return to your original surgeon to discuss what is going on. There are many options to address your concerns, and your plastic surgeon will be able to go over all that suite you and your needs. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on May 02, 2016

It could be a combination, so I would return and ask your PS.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

It could be a combination, so I would return and ask your PS.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on May 02, 2016

It is possible. However, your surgeon will explain best what is going on, as he knows your surgical experience and where he placed the implants.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

It is possible. However, your surgeon will explain best what is going on, as he knows your surgical experience and where he placed the implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on May 02, 2016

Breast implants placed under the muscle will initially look high and compressed. The pectoral muscles will go into spasm and hold onto the implants. Larger, stronger pec muscles will appear more full when in spasm. As the muscles relax, the implants will drop and the breasts will soften and assume the shape of the implants.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Breast implants placed under the muscle will initially look high and compressed. The pectoral muscles will go into spasm and hold onto the implants. Larger, stronger pec muscles will appear more full when in spasm. As the muscles relax, the implants will drop and the breasts will soften and assume the shape of the implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Published on May 02, 2016

I am sure your strong pect muscles may be contributing to this. Time will help, and wearing a breast strap across the top of your breasts will help too.

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Answered by Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

I am sure your strong pect muscles may be contributing to this. Time will help, and wearing a breast strap across the top of your breasts will help too.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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