One of the main reasons patients may have chosen to undergo a breast augmentation procedure is to have fuller, shapelier breasts with more cleavage. But what happens if patients are not happy with the way the cleavage looks after surgery? What options might a patient have to correct breast implants that either sit too far apart (not enough cleavage) or too close together (too much cleavage)?

Breast Implants that Sit too Close Together

If the implants sit too close together, this creates a condition known as "symmastia" (sometimes referred to as the "breadloaf" or "uniboob" look). This may occur because the natural breasts sit too close together, the implants were inserted too close to each other, or the implants actually shifted toward each other following the augmentation procedure. It may also be a result of too large an implant being inserted. This is particularly a problem for thin women with a small rib circumference.

Fortunately, symmastia can be fixed with a corrective breast implant revision procedure. The pocket in which the implant sits may have to be extended laterally outward from the midline breastbone to create more space between the implants. This is done with incisions around the capsule (either over or under the pectoral muscle) where the implant is located.

Recovery time is relatively quick, often with very few side effects. Patients will be given a special bra to wear (sometimes referred to as a "thong bra") that holds and supports the breasts apart in their new, more natural position. Patients will need to wear this bra for at least four weeks following surgery. This will help the implants settle into the correct position.

Breast Implants that Sit Too Far Apart

Unfortunately, the opposite problem from symmastia may be more difficult to correct. This is known as "lateral displacement" of the implants. If the augmented breasts seem to be too far apart to produce the desired appearance of cleavage, it may be because the natural breasts are far apart. Because the implant is meant to sit directly behind the natural breasts, their final appearance may look to be too "wide" to produce the cleavage the patient desires. Another cause may be that the implants moved laterally away from the midline while settling.

The surgical procedure to correct this condition involves a series of internal incisions and sutures. This procedure, known as a "capsulorraphy," is mean to minimize the implant pockets and draw them closer toward the midline of the body. Patients may also need to have new implants inserted in a different size in order to expand the diameter of the breast and shift them more toward the midline.

Just as with a symmastia correction procedure, recovery time is relatively minimal. The patient may also have to wear a special bra for several weeks following the procedure.

Remember that the implants may shift somewhat during the first few weeks after the procedure. Be patient during this process. However, if patients notice that the implants are either too close together or too far apart, discuss these concerns with a surgeon. There may be a surgical correction that will produce the look the patient desires.