Part 1 of our Breast Implant Malrotation story was all about what malrotation exactly is and why does it happen. We summarized that a flipped breast implants happens when the implant flips (the back side turns to the front and vice versa) or rotates (the top side becomes the bottom side).
Today we will focus on how cosmetic surgeons can diagnose a flipped breast implant and how it can be fixed.
How will you know if you have a flipped breast implant? What does it look like?
Being able to tell if you have a flipped breast implant is very important. Many patients think that this is easy to determine, but in fact it’s not as easy as it sounds.
If you get round shaped breast implants during your breast augmentation surgery, you will be having a really hard time to tell whether it has flipped or not. This is mainly because round shaped implants can keep their shape and form regardless if they are in the right position or not. To notice a flipped breast implant in this case is nearly impossible, to the untrained and unexperienced eye. However, this can be done through imaging studies, as they can confirm the exact position for the implant.
Apart form round shaped implants, there are also tear-shaped implants. They mimic the natural breast’s shape and, in this case, a flipped breast implant is easier to notice. They also keep their shape, but because it’s not perfectly round, the flip will be noticeable on your breast:
- When one breast implant flips, one breast will look very differently than the other one
- It will feel very different to the touch
- Breasts will no longer appear symmetrical as they did after the procedure
- You can feel discomfort when you trying to lie down or stand up
Does a flipped breast implant hurt?
Breast implant malrotation often happens without any major symptoms. That’s why it’s sometimes so difficult to notice and diagnose. However, if there is trauma or capsular contracture involve, you might feel some discomfort.
How can a skilled cosmetic surgeon diagnose it?
Usually, the easiest and most common way you can diagnose a flipped breast implant is by asymmetry or misshapen breasts. Commonly, the diagnosis is confirmed with a physical examination done by the cosmetic surgeon, but sometimes a patient’s description is enough.
In case of round shaped implants, especially if they are covered with a lot of soft tissue, a physical exam won’t suffice. The surgeon will have to use other methods such as ultrasound or even an MRI.
Some implants even have technology that utilizes an RFID (radio frequency identification device) which can precisely determine whether the implant has flipped or rotated.
Is a flipped breast implant dangerous?
Generally speaking, a flipped breast implant is not a life-threatening occurrence. But, it’s definitely not something a woman would look forward to after going through breast augmentation. After all, the idea of a boob job is to have nicely-rounded, perky and perfect breasts. But with a flipped implant, you won’t have the cosmetic appearance of your new breasts.
When a breast implant flips, the back side (which is often the flat side) of the implant, will face forward, creating an image of flat breasts. Not only that, but your breasts will start having an odd shape, won’t look symmetrical and the edges of your implants might also start showing on the contours of your breasts. Not a desired situation that’s for sure!
How can you fix a flipped breast implant?
A flipped breast implant is no reason for panic or worry. There are, in fact, several approaches that can be utilized in order to reposition the implant and rotate it to its proper place and form.
Flip it back manually
This is the first and highly practical way of re-flipping your implants yourself. If the implant flips occasionally, your surgeon will explain how you can re-flip it and readjust it. He/she will of course do it first so you can see how it’s done, before you can do it yourself if there’s need for it. The implant re-flipping method usually means that you will need to lean forward, in order to create additional room in the breast pocket for the implant, and then you will just re-flip it from the outside.
Surgery
Revisional surgery is also an optional solution for a flipped breast implant, if that happens very often. If the implant flips too many times, it usually means that the internal structure is not holding it tight enough. Revisional breast surgery usually involves breast pocket tightening. But if the implant is too big, your surgeon will replace them with smaller ones, that fit your physique better.
How can you prevent a flipped breast implant?
Preventing breast implant malrotation is better than fixing it. So in order to avoid re-flipping or even revisional surgery, make sure that you first pick the right and skilled/experienced cosmetic surgeon who will perform your breast augmentation.
A flipped breast implant is not uncommon and it can happen even if the most experienced surgeons utilize the best tools and techniques in their field.
In addition to choosing the right surgeon for the procedure, you should also follow your doctor’s advice for the recovery period. So make sure that you don’t to any strenuous activities, rest plenty and take it easy until your doctor says otherwise.
