About the disease
Displacement of the implant after breast augmentation can develop some time after woman had surgery. This term means that the implant shifted or deviated from its proper place. The migration of the implant is unusual, bit it can occur after the low-quality surgery or bad lifestyle habits of the woman.
The displaced implant may shift upward or downward. It can also shift inward or outward. The most dangerous displacement of the implant is when the implant shifts inward into the chest. The risk of affecting another internal organ increases and it is important to replace the implant or remove it altogether as soon as possible. When the implant shifts outward, it can shift towards the armpit. Such displacement is called lateral. When the woman lays down, it is natural for the breasts to go towards the armpits. Nevertheless, if they stay at that same position when the woman is sitting or walking, it is unnatural and the probability of displacement is high.
The displacement can be visible in case the implant shift greatly or it can be only felt by the woman. The discomfort can be present at all times or it can appear when the woman moves in certain way or when the breasts are in certain position.
It is important to conduct the breast implant surgery meticulously so that no problems will arise, such as scarring of internal tissues which can appear after the displacement.
Symptoms
- Visual displacement of the breast implant
- The displacement appears when moving
- Pain in the breast
- Discomfort
- Tenderness
- Tightness
- Soreness
Diagnosis
- During a general examination the doctor will palpate the breasts to determine if the displacement is palpable. The doctor will ask about the time when the woman had the procedure and will also inquire if there had been any complications. The doctor will ask if the woman had any traumas, such as injuries or falls lately, which could have shifted the implants. Any strong force or push into the breasts can affect the location of the implants.
- The doctor will also evaluate the size of the implants. Generally, big implants are more prone to cause the displacement because they create higher pressure on the chest.
- Imaging tests, such an an X-ray, MRI or CT scan, are useful in determining the exact location of displacement, its type and range. These tests will also help to determine if any of the organs were affected by the displacement.
Treatment
- Plastic correction and replacement of the implant is a surgical procedure which aims to replace the implant and put it into the right position. The doctor will also try to put in such a way that the displacement will not occur again. Women with very large implants may be advised to have smaller implant size.
Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
