Breast Implants: Q&A

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Should I Choose Breast Implants to Accommodate Shrinkage over Time?

I was told that the size of the implant slightly shrinks over time due to the rib cage conforming and the implant flattening. I am getting my BA in 2 weeks. I can't decide whether I want 350 or 400cc. I am getting silicone cohesive gel, subpectoral, Inframammary incision. I am 5'7", 133 lbs. waist 27". My breasts measure 11-11.5" wide, 3.5" outward stretch. I like the look of the 350cc when I was sizing, it was recommended I go larger to accommodate for shrinkage. Advice Please!

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breasts female 350-399cc 400-449cc silicone implant 130-149 lbs gel inframammary subpectoral

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by adriana. in Toronto

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Implant "Shrinkage Over Time"

If you are talking about your breasts seeming smaller a few weeks after surgery, you should make an adjustment as follows: Because the implant drapes differently under the muscle, it will look about 10% smaller than the implant looks when you put it in front of your breast in your bra. The muscle does flatten the implant somewhat and this creates a sense of the implant looking a bit smaller than it did when you tried it on for size. Going up about 25-50cc is... more

I would go with your first choice the 350cc implant.

I personally have not seen a notable change in my augmentation patients breast sizes over the years due to the mechanism you described or any other process short of implant rupture. In addition, you are agonizing over a 50cc difference which is relatively minor one way or the other. There will not be a dramatic difference in your breast size should you choose one or another. I would recommend selecting the size you seem to like best since I would not worry about a very questionable... more

Implant Sizeology

Choosing the exact right size of an implant is, as Dr. Stephenson said, a very inexact science. I don't blame you for agonizing over this question, but the good news is the 50 cc difference between a 350 and 400 won't make much difference in the long run. Since more than 90% of my patients have candidly told me that if they had to do it all over again, they would have gone a little bigger, if I were you I would choose the larger size.

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Should I Choose Breast Implants to Accommodate Shrinkage over Time

AS much as this sounds reasonable, I have patients that report increase in natural breast tissue over time associated with hormonal changes, pregnancy, weight gain and menopause.

Implant sizing is an inexact science

Not real sure about the rib cage "thing" . The best thing to due is to follow your surgeon's advice after you all have had a long discussion about what is possible to to achieve the look you want. Whether it is a 350 or 400 is not going to make much of a difference. Trust that your surgeon understands the look you are trying to achieve. Dr. ES

Breast implants

If you liked the look of the 350, then I would probabaly go with that one. I couldn't tell you for sure without evaluating you in person.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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