Correction For Bottoming Out - Buffalo, NY - Dr. Todd B. Koch

Skip to content Correction for Bottoming Out in Buffalo, NY

Most women enjoy the results of their breast augmentation, but a small number of breast augmentation patients may experience bothersome complications. Bottoming out occurs when one or both breast implants slips below the inframammary line, resulting in what many patients consider an unsatisfactory breast appearance.

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Bottoming Out

Identifying Bottoming Out

• Implants that sit below the inframammary line
• Nipples that point upward
• Decreased fullness in the upper poles of the breasts
• Breasts that seem bottom heavy

Causes of Bottoming Out

• Overly Large Implants
• Weak Breast Tissue
• Implant Placement

Overly Large Implants

• Implants that are too large or heavy can weaken breast tissue, compromising the implant pocket.
• Sometimes bottoming out can occur when there is not enough breast tissue and skin to hold a larger implant.
• Loss of skin elasticity can influence the body’s ability to support an implant, especially a large implant.

Weak Breast Tissue

• Bottoming out can occur in women who have mild sagging that is not treated with a breast lift at the time of breast augmentation.
• Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can also compromise breast tissue strength.
• Poor skin elasticity and loss of support of the tissues along the breast fold can also contribute to bottoming out.

Implant Placement

• The over dissection of the implant pocket can cause improper implant placement, which may lead to bottoming out.

Breast Revision to Correct Bottoming Out

When breast implants shift and become malpositioned, the best method of correction is breast revision surgery. It is common for a synthetic mesh scaffold to be placed within the breast to support the compromised tissue. Sometimes the implants are exchanged during breast revision to alleviate the stress on weakened breast tissue and to produce an improved aesthetic. Postoperatively supporting the fold with an underwire bra may prevent recurrence.

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What to Expect During Recovery

Immediately After

Immediately After

Your recovery after breast revision surgery will feel fairly similar to your breast augmentation recovery. Bruising and swelling are typical. You will wear a support bra for several weeks during your recovery. Patients can return to work within seven to 14 days.

Two to Three Weeks After

Two to Three Weeks After

By this time, you should be able to resume light exercise. Significant swelling may still prevent you from noticing a difference in the look and feel of your breasts.

Six Weeks After

Six Weeks After

Patients can resume all normal activities. Most of the swelling should have subsided, but minor swelling may still be present. You should begin to notice the look and feel of your final results, which will continue to improve over the next several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long after my breast augmentation surgery can I undergo breast revision to correct bottoming out?

  It is best to wait at least six months before undergoing breast revision because it takes about that long to see your final breast augmentation results. If you notice any complications after your primary breast surgery, consult with your plastic surgeon immediately.

• Do I have to get smaller breast implants to prevent bottoming out from recurring?

  Not all bottoming out occurs because of having implants that are too large, so it is not always necessary to exchange them for smaller implants. However, if that is the cause of bottoming out in a given patient, it is highly recommended to downsize for implants that can be adequately supported.

• Can you change implant placement during breast revision surgery?

  Yes. Since bottoming out may be caused by poorly placed implants, they are often repositioned to form a more pleasing breast profile.

• How long will my results last?

  As long as you are satisfied with the results of your revision surgery, your results should be long lasting. Future complications or natural wear to your implants may require additional correction in about 10 to 15 years.