Replacing implants with smaller ones

By Sugar28 on 01 Mar 2010

I have had breast implants over the muscle size 36C/D for 7 years. Since the day I first got them, I wanted them removed, but was told to wait until the swelling went down. I got used to them for a while, but now they have dropped and I don't like the way I look in a swim top.

I would like to have them put under the muscle or exchanged with smaller implants, but have been told by a doctor that they may not look right because it has been so many years. And I don't want my nipples to moved. Does anyone know the results of taking out breast implants and replacing them with smaller ones under the muscle? It is so hard to find clothes that fit properly. Can anyone help me?

View 16 doctor answers to Risks and Side Effects of Downsizing Breast Implants

Comments (3)

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS 13 Mar 2010

Exchanging to under the muscle is a routine procedure any experienced breast plastic surgeon should be comfortable performing. The problem is that by going with a smaller implant, you might see the breast look lax and the nipple be positioned too low. A lift will fix this and it can be done at the same time. If you feel the need, the implant exchange can be done and you can do the lift a few months later once you feel you need it. Good luck!

View answers from Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Tom at RealSelf (Community Manager) 12 Mar 2010

Hi Sugar28 - I've sent a message to a few doctors asking if they'll provide a comment.

Sugar28 10 Mar 2010

I haven't had any feedback on this yet. I have only been to two doctors about this (about 4 years ago), and they both could not give me a for sure answer. I think it may be because neither had done this procedure before. I have been told that there is not a garantee it will look by going smaller with placement under the muscle. If there are any doctors who have done this procedure, I would love to here your comments. I have not been told that this can't be done. My implants don't look bad, I just want something smaller with a little lift. I have been told that they look very good and very natural compared to many seen before. They are a small C cup now.