Breast Implant Pocket Adjustment

Most commonly, implant ptosis, or “bottoming out”, happens when a patient’s tissues may not be strong enough to support the weight of the implant over time. It is more commonly seen in thin patients and with sub glandular placed implants, however, it can randomly occur with any augmentation patient. In rare cases, over dissection at the time of surgery can lead to implant ptosis, but this is generally not a common cause of bottoming out. Over dissection is readily recognized when, immediately postoperatively, the implant is noted to be positioned too low on the chest.

Correction of implant ptosis can be difficult and may require multiple surgeries. Capsulorrhaphy procedure to reconstruct the implant pocket is the gold standard for treating implant ptosis or malposition. If capsulorrhaphy by itself is ineffective, then the use of Galaform, Ovitex or Strattice (an acellular reconstructive tissue matrix to support the tissue and hold the breast pocket in the desired location) is required. Use of these products to support the breast are generally very effective but can be expensive. Occasionally, removal of the implant and capsule altogether is required. The patient can go back to surgery 4-6 months after healing and start over with a new augmentation procedure. These procedures can take anywhere from 1 to 7 hours depending upon the complexity of the condition.

It is a difficult problem to address surgically. Patients should remember that the larger implant is heavier and patients with thinner skin are more likely to bottom out leading to this challenging complication.

As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Crofts has performed hundreds of implant pocket corrections. During your consultation, he will meet with you to discuss your needs and make expert recommendations to help you achieve your desired results.

At your consultation, you will be able to discuss questions and review what you would like changed through surgery. Dr Crofts will discuss the details of the procedure and create a surgical plan with you. Our office staff will provide you with a surgery quote and can help schedule a surgery date at that time.

You will have a pre-operative appointment three weeks prior to surgery. At this appointment you will sign consents, discuss any last minute questions and concerns, and get further pre- and post-surgery instructions.

Your surgery will take place at an accredited facility. This is generally a 3 to 5 hour procedure and you will be released home on the same day.

Generally, you will be seen 1 to 3 days after surgery and again 4 to 5 days later. Further post operative appointments will continue and be dependent upon your recovery.

You should be able to resume normal activity 6-8 weeks after surgery. Patients will need to refrain from any activity that will put downward pressure on the implant such as running or lifting for 6-8 weeks to allow the internal pocket repair to fully heal. At Aesthetica, post operative care and safety is our number one priority. We see patients frequently after their procedure to assure healing and recovery is on track. Patients have 24 hour access to an on-call nurse for emergencies.

Feel the results, see the difference, and enjoy the confidence

Dr. Kimball Crofts is probably the best doctor I have ever been to. He makes you feel like you are his most important patient and will do anything you need (even if it’s Sunday). His staff is also so kind and there are no better nurses than Amy and Andrea!!

H.J. Google

OMG!! Need I say more!! Dr. Croft is the most amazing plastic surgeon I have ever been to. I have had a few surgeries from him and they have all been fantastic!! He is so caring and thoughtful and is so good to listen to my needs and what I want to accomplish!! He’s is absolutely amazing!! Thank you Dr. Crofts and his amazing team!!

A.W. Google

Dr Crofts was one of the first doctors I’ve had that actually showed he really cared about what happened that led me to need his help. His precision was excellent and I’m incredibly grateful on so many levels for how I’m feeling now after getting my implants removed. I’m so happy with the results and feel like me again. Thank you so much Dr Crofts! His nurses were lovely and always kind and on top of it. Highly recommend.

K.H. Google

My daughter was Dr Croft’s patient and I was her post-surgery support. He and his staff were amazing to work with. Very thorough, responsive and personable. Andrea couldn’t be a better support and advisor—she made the whole experience so positive!

B.G. Google

Dr Crofts and his staff are all so kind and amazing!

T.K. Google

432

Total Reviews

5

Average Rating

Who is a candidate for breast pocket adjustment?

Patients experiencing implant malposition (breast implants dropping too low or not centered) that wish to adjust the position of the implant are good candidates for pocket adjustment.

What is the downtime for pocket adjustment?

Downtime for this procedure is 6-8 weeks of no lifting over 5 pounds and no strenuous activity.

Will I need new implants after pocket adjustment?

Not necessarily. New implants are not required for pocket adjustments, but if the implants you currently have are older than 10 years old, it would be ideal to replace the implants at the same time as the adjustment to ensure you get the best possible result.

Can pocket adjustment be done at the same time as a re-augmentation or breast lift?

Yes, both procedures can be done at the same time.

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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.