Breast Implants: Q&A

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Is Breast Implant Reduction Too Risky?

I had 500 grams silicone high profile implants place about 3 months ago. They feel a little too big and firm. I would like to downgrade them to maybe 425, maybe same projection but lesser diameter, since my ribcage is rather small. I am not necessarily looking for a conservative look; I just don't want to look too big. Is the procedure of downsizing an implant complicated or risky? I would probably do it in a couple of months.

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24 Doctor Answers | Asked by mariana in colmbia

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Downsizing breast implants 3 months after surgery

The "risks" are small. The question is what is the correct decision about this. You must establish with your surgeon exactly what your goals are. Ideally, this should have been done prior to surgery. There are several considerations. First of all, 3 months is very early post-op to make a determination about size. Secondly, downsizing by 75cc is not that much. I find that when patients want to downsize, they need a significant size change to be happy-on the order of at least 150cc.... more

Downsizing breast implants

Decreasing the size of your implants from 500 to 425 should not be a problem. This is a relatively small size decrease and your skin should be able to contract and shrink to accommodate the new implant volume. I would wait around six months after your initial surgery to perform this downsizing procedure. In the long run, you will have less complications in general with smaller sized breast implants. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your... more

Downsizing your breast implants

Assuming that your current breast implants are soft (not encapsulated) and well positioned on the front of your chest, implant exchange should be technically straightforward. Discuss your aesthetic objectives with your PS before proceeding, to avoid disappointment and potentially more expense. Be sure that you have optimized your health as weight gain can layer fat and volume on your breasts. Good luck.

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

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Breast implant reduction should be low risk

Hello, For the record, you are talking about an implant exchange and a small one relatively-speaking. You should be OK, but of course have your surgeon explain risks and benefits for your particular case. Most women in your situation would do well.

Removing and replacing an implant

Revisionary breast surgery is very safe as long as you pick the right plastic surgeon. The procedure would be very similar to the original breast augmentation surgery and involve removing your current 500 high profile implants and replacing them with smaller (moderate profile) implants. Since you are only 3 months post-op surgery, you may want to wait a few more months to see the final result. Over time, your implants will become softer and settle into the pocket. Massage the breasts to... more

Probably best to wait

You should wait at least 6-9 months before making any final determinations about downsizing your implants. You won't really know until then if this surgery is really necessary. Remember that any surgeries carry risks and expenses so it is best to keep them to a minimum if at all possible.

You should allow some time before changing your implants

You should give it some time before rushing in for another surgery. Of course, you can have another procedure and change your implant to a smaller size, but your body is still accomodating to having your implants placed. You may feel that you actually like your size in a few months. Although an implant exchange can be relatively 'easy', any surgery entails some risks and costs, of course. The other thing to consider is that the difference between a 500cc and 475cc high profile implant... more

Implant size can be reduced safely

Mariana, If you are unhappy with the fuller implant you should easily be able to drop down a size to the 425cc implant that you suggested. This may be just enough to please you yet be only a modest reduction in size. The firm feeling may also be a consequence of the high profile implant. I know they are very popular where you live, yet the high profile contour is almost a round appearance which lack flow with the breast tissue, and give a look to the breast rather like, well, a breast... more

If you downsize, you may need a breast lift

Mariana, In reference to your previous question, if you downsize the implant moderately, then you may actually have a more natural appearing breast. If you downsize significantly, then you may actually need a breast lift to accommodate for the extra skin. If you are just having an implant exchange, the surgery is usually straight-forward. I hope this is helpful.

It is possible to downsize the size of your breast implants

It is possible to downsize the size of your bust and this is not normally a very involved procedure. It involves a surgeon reopening the old scar removing the old implant and replacing it with a smaller implant. The recovery is relatively quick following this procedure. Overall, 500 cc high profile implants will produce a quite dramatic appearance to the bust as a hope and you may wish to consider a lower profile implant if you would like a more natural look. I would advice... more

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