bottoming out
Complication where breast implants settle too low on the chest wall, creating an unnatural breast shape.
Full Definition
Bottoming out is a complication of breast augmentation where the implant settles too low on the chest wall, typically due to inadequate support of the inframammary fold or excessive pocket dissection. This results in the nipple appearing too high on the breast mound and an unnatural, elongated breast shape. The condition may develop gradually over months or years as tissues stretch under the weight of the implant. Risk factors include large implant size, thin tissue coverage, wide implant base width, and surgical technique factors. Treatment requires surgical correction to reconstruct the inframammary fold and reposition the implant, often using internal sutures or acellular dermal matrix for additional support.
Usage
Usage note: Document the degree of inferior displacement and impact on nipple position when describing this complication.
In Context
- "The patient developed bottoming out six months post-surgery, requiring inframammary fold reconstruction." — revision surgery consultation
- "Proper inframammary fold preservation is crucial to prevent bottoming out in breast augmentation patients." — surgical technique guide