Should I Choose Breast Implants to Accommodate Shrinkage over Time?

asked 1 year ago by adriana. in Toronto
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 449 times
Tags: breasts, female, 130-149 lbs, silicone implant, 350-399cc, 400-449cc, gel, inframammary, subpectoral

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!

5 answers to Should I Choose Breast Implants to Accommodate Shrinkage over Time?

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

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

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

David A. Ross, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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