Correcting for Breast Implants that Sit Too Far Apart

Patients who decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery have a certain idea in mind for how the procedure will improve their appearance. They may picture themselves with fuller breasts that will give them the cleavage that they did not naturally have. With this in mind, it can come to a shock for some patients to discover that the reality of the results of their breast augmentation did no match up to what they had in mind.

This can be particularly disappointing for patients if the implants are placed too wide apart. They will not have the cleavage effect they wanted to achieve. Worse, because the breasts may have to be pushed together to fit into bras, it can cause discomfort or even pain.

What Can Cause Augmented Breasts to Sit Too Far Apart?

In some cases of augmented breasts that sit too far apart, the implants were improperly placed, either in front of the pectoral muscles or in the capsular pocket behind the pectorals. In other cases, the natural breasts may sit too far apart, and there was no attempt to reposition the nipple when implants were placed.

However, an implant of the wrong profile may also lead to breasts sitting too far apart. In addition to actual size, breast implants can also have a variety of profiles. Implants with a high profile have more height than width (circumference). Conversely, implants with a low profile have less height than width. High profile implants are recommended for patients with narrow chests, in order to avoid the breast sitting too close together, creating the “uniboob” effect. Low profile implants are recommended for patients with wide chests, in order to avoid the breasts sitting too far apart. Unfortunately, in cases when augmented breasts sit too far apart, it is likely that high profile implants were used.

It is important to remember that the implants may take a few weeks to settle into their final position. They may also still be swollen, which may affect how they appear on the chest. It is best to wait until the postsurgical swelling has subsided to determine the final position of the breasts and whether or not they actually are sitting too far apart.

What Can Be Done to Correct for Breast Implants that Sit Too Far Apart?

Some cosmetic surgeons will advise patients of breast massage exercises to perform, in an effort to get the implants to shift closer together. However, such exercises are unlikely to help correct for improperly placed implants, according to Dr. Crawford.

Unfortunately, the only real way to correct for breast implants that sit too far apart is through a second, breast implant revision surgery to correctly place the implants, as well as correctly place the nipple, if needed. This can either be done by trading out the existing implants for implants of a different size or profile.

Although it may be disheartening for patients to not have the enhanced figure they initially wanted, there is no reason for them to accept anything less than what they actually want. The surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery are skilled at both initial breast augmentation, as well as revision surgery. Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment.