Certainly, it sounds like that could be the case. Do you have anatomic (teardrop) shaped implants? If your implants are round, then the only way they could 'rotate' would be back to front. I do see that in the highly cohesive round implants. The other thing that can change the shape of the device is capsular contracture. This means the scar/capsule around the implant has become more firm and strong and can squeeze the Implant into weird shapes. Your plastic surgeon should be able to tell with an exam what is happening. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Have your breast examined by your local board-certified PLASTIC surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have shaped implants, then usually you can tell when they are rotated by physical exam. If they are round, it makes no difference. Capsular contractures can also cause implants to change shape and appear rotated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You need a good examination by your surgeon to determine the problem and to devise a treatment plan.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Unless you got these implants in another country, they are round in shape and any possible rotation does not affect their shape. If your breasts look asymmetric now, it is for other reasons. Go visit your surgeon, who is hopefully a ABPS certified/ASAPS member who specializes in revision breast surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. It will be best to be examined by a well-experienced plastic surgeon who can perform an examination and discuss your options. There may be some breast implant malposition. If a round breast implant was used, there would be no change if the breast implant rotates. I am sorry that I cannot be more precise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Go get checked by your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Breast implants can change shape over time. They may rupture, encapsulate with scar and/or flip or rotate. This could be what is going on with the breast implant. The tissues around the breast implant can change as well, especially the pec muscle, which can ride up if over-released, causing window shading.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Implant rotation is actually hard to detect in some cases. Surprisingly, anatomic shaped implants rarely rotate. If they are positioned properly, and the pocket is developed properly for a snug, hand-in-glove fit, the implants usually stay put.

If your shape has changed considerably, then it is more likely that you have another problem. Redness and soreness is also a worrisome clue that you may have an infection. Capsule contracture is one of the more common causes of altered shape.

I would suggest talking to your surgeon about a trial with antibiotics. If the redness and soreness responds to this, then you have to assume that it is due to an infection. Breast implant infections can be very difficult to eradicate. Although many patients have a good outcome after this measure, the infection has a high likelihood of recurring, and removal and replacement at a later date becomes necessary.

If it is a contracture, then the affected breast is clearly harder than the unaffected breast. I always try to rule out an infection first. Otherwise, a trial with Accolate may be effective for an early contracture. Beyond this, you may need to consider revisional surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012