Patients often ask us how breast implants stay in place once inserted. This is an excellent question and one that we love to answer because it allows us to talk about the skill, precision, and passion that Dr. Comizio puts into every single one of her procedures.
Wanting breast augmentation can be a result of losing size or shape from breastfeeding or pregnancy, having tubular breasts or after having breast surgery. Whatever the reason, a breast augmentation can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own body.
How Implants Stay in Place
To understand how breast implants stay in place, it helps to understand the procedure and what’s involved.
Dr. Comizio performs breast augmentation in an outpatient surgery center or in a hospital while patients are under general anesthesia. Once on the surgical table, Dr. Comizio will make an incision under the fold of the breast, called the “inframammary fold” where it will be discrete and out of sight. There are other incision sites that some patients require and Dr. Comizio will discuss that with you if it is an option. After the incision, Dr. Comizio will place the implant inside the breast, most often under the pectoral muscle, called a “submuscular” implant. Placing the implant under the muscle has several advantages:
- It can often give the implant a more natural appearance.
- The muscles and ligaments will help hold the implant in place.
- After the implant is placed and you begin to heal, your body will form scar tissue around the implant, which is called a “capsule.”
How to Keep Implants from Shifting
After a breast augmentation, a patient should expect to spend a week or so resting and healing. This is absolutely critical in order to ensure that your body heals correctly and that the implant is secure.
There are some additional things you can do to help prevent implants from shifting. It’s important to wear the bra provided for recovery as instructed for the first week or more. After that, wearing your regular bras or sports bras to support your new implants is recommended to ensure your implants stay in place, especially when doing any kind of exercise or strenuous activity. It is also suggested to massage your implants for a few minutes every day to help the implant settle into the scar tissue capsule and prevent the capsule from contracting on the implant after your breast augmentation.
Dr. Comizio is very precise and will make necessary recommendations for your particular case. We always welcome you to talk to previous patients and ask our office any questions you have regarding the process and recovery journey.
It is the mission of our office to ensure every patient has an outstanding experience and is excited about their new look. Please call us for a private consultation with Dr. Comizio (973) 775-9248 or fill out a form online. Our office will reach out to you to ensure you understand your options.
