Breast Implant Malposition Sydney

Technical Explanation of the Condition

Breast implant malposition in Sydney refers to a complication where a breast implant shifts away from its intended position in the implant pocket. As a result, the breast shape can appear uneven, the cleavage may look distorted, or the nipple position may seem abnormal relative to the implant.

Implant malposition can occur after breast augmentation, breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy), breast reconstruction, or revision breast surgery. In some patients, malposition develops slowly over time as tissues stretch. However, in other cases, malposition occurs earlier due to pocket instability, implant size, surgical history, or tissue quality.

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos (FRACS) assesses breast implant malposition in Sydney using detailed examination and tailored surgical planning. During consultation, Dr Tim reviews implant type, pocket position, scar quality, breast tissue support and capsule characteristics. He then explains revision options, recovery, risks and realistic outcomes as part of informed consent. Importantly, outcomes vary between individuals.

What Breast Implant Malposition Can Look Like

Breast implant malposition can cause visible and functional changes. For example, symptoms may include:

  • one implant sitting higher or lower than the other

  • implants sitting too far apart or too close together

  • loss of cleavage symmetry

  • breast shape distortion or uneven projection

  • discomfort, tightness or heaviness (selected patients)

  • difficulty wearing bras due to implant position

  • implant movement that feels unstable

In addition, malposition may become more obvious with arm movement, posture changes, or exercise.

Types of Breast Implant Malposition

Breast implant malposition is not one single issue. Instead, it can occur in several patterns depending on pocket anatomy and tissue support.

Implant malposition: bottoming out (inferior displacement)

Bottoming out occurs when the implant drops too low because the lower implant pocket loses support. As a result, the nipple may appear too high on the breast mound.

Implant malposition: lateral displacement

Lateral malposition occurs when the implant shifts outward toward the armpit, especially when lying down. Consequently, cleavage may appear widened or uneven.

Implant malposition: superior malposition (high-riding implant)

A high implant position can occur when the implant fails to settle properly or when scar capsule characteristics restrict normal descent. This may create upper pole fullness and an unnatural breast contour.

Implant malposition: medial displacement (symmastia)

Symmastia occurs when the implants drift too close toward the centre of the chest. In severe cases, the cleavage can appear merged.

Because each pattern has different causes, Dr Tim confirms the type of malposition during consultation before planning correction.

Why Breast Implant Malposition Happens

Implant malposition occurs when the implant pocket becomes unstable or the supporting tissues cannot maintain implant position. Contributing factors may include:

  • implant size or weight exceeding tissue support capacity

  • thin skin or stretched breast tissue

  • weak lower pole tissues or a high fold anatomy

  • previous breast surgery or multiple revisions

  • capsular contracture affecting implant position

  • pregnancy or major weight changes after augmentation

  • subglandular pocket stretch (selected patients)

  • disruption of implant pocket boundaries

Because anatomy and tissue strength differ between patients, malposition risk varies significantly.

Breast Implant Malposition vs Other Implant Problems

Some implant issues can resemble malposition. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Malposition vs capsular contracture

Capsular contracture often causes tightness, firmness, distortion, or implant elevation. By contrast, malposition involves implant displacement, usually with pocket instability.

Malposition vs double bubble deformity

Double bubble deformity involves a fold mismatch and contour step-off. It can overlap with malposition, but it requires specific fold correction strategies.

Malposition vs implant rupture

Implant rupture affects implant integrity rather than implant position. However, shape changes can sometimes mimic malposition. Dr Tim discusses imaging where appropriate.

For this reason, consultation assessment guides the safest treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Breast Implant Malposition in Sydney

Treatment depends on malposition pattern, capsule characteristics, implant choice and tissue support. Therefore, revision surgery is always individualised.

In most cases, non-surgical treatments cannot correct established implant malposition. Instead, surgery usually provides the best option to restore implant position and breast symmetry.

Surgical Treatment: Breast Implant Malposition Revision Surgery

Revision surgery aims to restore implant stability, breast symmetry and natural contour.

Dr Tim may recommend one or more of the following techniques:

Pocket repair (capsulorrhaphy)

Capsulorrhaphy repairs and tightens the implant pocket using internal sutures. Dr Tim may use this technique to:

  • reduce excess pocket space

  • correct lateral displacement

  • restore inframammary fold support

  • improve implant symmetry and stability

This technique is commonly used in malposition correction surgery.

Capsulotomy or capsule modification (selected patients)

When the capsule restricts implant movement or holds an implant too high, Dr Tim may release tight capsule segments. As a result, the implant can sit in a more natural position.

Implant exchange (selected patients)

Some patients benefit from implant exchange. For example, changing implant size or profile may:

  • reduce tissue strain

  • improve pocket stability

  • improve symmetry and contour

Pocket change (selected patients)

If the current implant plane contributes to instability, Dr Tim may recommend a pocket change, such as:

  • subglandular → submuscular or subfascial (selected patients)

  • submuscular → subfascial (selected patients)

A pocket change may improve implant support in suitable patients.

Internal bra/mesh reinforcement (selected patients)

In patients with weak tissue support or recurrent malposition, Dr Tim may discuss internal reinforcement to improve pocket strength. Suitability depends on anatomy and revision complexity.

Breast lift (mastopexy) (selected patients)

If tissue descent contributes to malposition appearance, revision may include mastopexy to:

  • reshape the skin envelope

  • improve nipple position

  • restore breast-to-implant balance

Recovery and Important Considerations

Recovery depends on the extent of revision surgery. However, patients commonly experience:

  • swelling and tightness early in recovery

  • limitations on lifting and chest exercise initially

  • supportive garments as advised

  • gradual return to full activity

  • follow-up appointments to monitor implant stability

Because revision surgery involves existing scar tissue and altered anatomy, careful planning and compliance with aftercare are essential.

Suitability for Breast Implant Malposition Correction in Sydney

Patients may be suitable for malposition correction if they:

  • have visible implant displacement or asymmetry

  • experience discomfort or dissatisfaction with implant position

  • have stable general health

  • accept scarring, recovery and revision complexity

  • do not smoke (or can stop before surgery)

Suitability for breast implant malposition correction in Sydney is confirmed during consultation.

Disclaimer:
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. The information provided here is general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified specialist. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, healing, and adherence to post-operative care. A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and realistic expectations during your consultation.

Safety, training and professional standards

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He is also a member and Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Patients can also consult the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) for information on surgical training and standards.

A/Prof. Tim Papadopoulos
Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001160037
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About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

learn more

About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

learn more
Dr Tim Sydney Plastic Surgeon
australian society of aesthetic plastic surgeons
australian society plastic surgeons
fracs royal australasian college of surgeons

Why Choose Dr Tim?

A Reputation For Safety
Dr. Tim is a highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon known for his commitment to patient safety, advanced surgical techniques, and meticulous care. He prioritizes evidence-based procedures to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Precision
With an exceptional eye for detail and surgical expertise, Dr. Tim ensures every procedure—whether facelift, body contouring, or breast augmentation—is performed with precision, artistry, and the latest medical advancements.
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Dr. Tim takes a patient-centered approach, guiding you from consultation to post-operative care. He provides personalised surgical plans to help you make informed decisions, ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout your cosmetic surgery journey.
Professional Integrity
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr. Tim is dedicated to excellence in aesthetic surgery. His contributions to medical education, training future surgeons, and speaking at global conferences reinforce his reputation as a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery.
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