What are the types of breast implant displacement?

Breast implant displacement occurs when an implant moves from its intended position within the breast pocket. This shift can lead to visible changes in the shape, balance and positioning of the breasts, often affecting both the aesthetic result and the patient’s comfort. There are several recognised types of displacement, each with its own appearance, cause and potential consequences.

Lateral displacement

Lateral displacement takes place when the implant moves outward towards the armpit. This can make the breasts appear unusually far apart and disrupt the natural shape and positioning. It may be more noticeable when lying down and can sometimes cause discomfort.

Bottoming out

Bottoming out occurs when the implant drops too low on the chest wall. As a result, the nipple may sit too high on the breast mound, creating an unbalanced or distorted appearance. It can also lead to stretched skin on the lower portion of the breast and may indicate a weakness in the tissue or surgical technique.

Symmastia

Also referred to as “uniboob,” symmastia happens when the implants shift too far inward, crossing the midline of the chest. This reduces or removes the natural space between the breasts, resulting in the appearance of a single, merged breast area. It is often caused by over-dissection of the implant pocket or poor surgical planning.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is not a displacement in the traditional sense, but it can cause the implant to become misshapen or move unnaturally. It occurs when the scar and breast tissue around the implant tightens excessively, leading to pain, hardness and a change in shape or position. In more severe cases, it may push the implant into an abnormal location.

High riding

High riding implants sit too high on the chest and can make the upper portion of the breast appear overly full while the lower part remains flat or underdeveloped. This may occur if the implant was placed too high during surgery or if it fails to settle properly during healing.

How to fix breast implant displacement

In some cases, mild implant displacement can be managed through manual positioning. This is most common when an implant has flipped or shifted slightly but remains within the breast pocket. A medical professional may be able to guide the implant back into place without surgery, although this is usually only effective if the displacement is infrequent and not severe.

If manual repositioning is unsuccessful or the implant continues to move out of place, breast revision surgery may be needed. This often involves revising the implant pocket - either by tightening areas of breast tissue where the implant has too much space to move, or loosening areas where it has been compressed or improperly positioned. The surgeon may also need to reinforce weak tissue or change the implant placement to help prevent future movement and restore a more natural appearance

Did my breast implant displacement happen because of surgical negligence?

If your breast implant displacement occurred because your surgeon failed to uphold their duty of care, it may be classed as surgical negligence. This can be the case where poor planning, surgical error or inadequate aftercare has led to physical pain, emotional distress, loss of mobility or financial loss caused by time off work or the need for corrective procedures.

Plastic surgeons have legal obligations that apply at every stage of the surgical journey, and failing to meet these can result in serious complications such as implant displacement.

• Before surgery, your surgeon must carry out a full and honest assessment of your suitability for breast implant surgery. This includes taking into account your medical history, body type, breast skin condition and lifestyle. They must also explain all potential risks, including the chance of displacement, and provide a realistic picture of what results you can expect. You should also be told about alternative options so you can give properly informed consent.
• During surgery, your surgeon is legally required to perform the procedure to an acceptable professional standard. This includes using correct placement techniques, avoiding over-dissection of the implant pocket, and ensuring the implant is properly secured and supported. Any failure in surgical technique may increase the risk of displacement, particularly with complications such as symmastia, bottoming out or high riding implants.
• After surgery, the duty of care continues. Your surgeon should monitor your recovery, identify early signs of implant movement or related issues, and respond appropriately. This might involve adjusting your aftercare plan, recommending further treatment or carrying out additional checks to avoid longer-term damage.

If your surgeon failed in any of these obligations and you have experienced implant displacement as a result, you may have grounds for a claim. Speak to the specialist team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors - we’ll help you understand your rights, assess your experience and advise on whether you may be entitled to compensation.

How we can help with breast implant displacement compensation claims

If one or both implants have moved after breast augmentation surgery and you believe this happened because your surgeon failed in their duty of care, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you understand your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

We can handle your claim on your behalf, gather the evidence needed to support your case, and use our specialist expertise in cosmetic surgery negligence to work towards the best possible outcome. Our aim is to make the process straightforward and supportive, while helping you recover compensation for the physical and emotional impact you've experienced from displaced breast implants.