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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9 answers to “Is breast implant reduction too risky?”

A: Implant size can be reduced safely

Peter E. Johnson, MD

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... more

A: Breast Implant reduction is a relatively safe operation

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

With any surgical procedure, there are always potential risks and complications.  Assuming that you are in excellent health, the medical risks are relatively low with the exchange of your existing mammary implants for smaller ones. It is important that you have detailed discussions with your plastic... more

A: If you downsize, you may need a breast lift

David Shafer, MD

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... more

A: Breast Implant exchange safety

Daniel Reichner, MD

Down sizing to a small implant may be complicated if your implant pocket is too large and you have poor skin elasticity. When exchanging to a much smaller implant, I find that the implant pocket does not shrink adequately to accommodate the new implant.  I will adjust the pocket size with permanent... more

A: It's not risky

David L. Kaufman, MD

A small reduction in implant size like you're considering is not risky.  The recovery is very easy and the should be able to give you the look you desire.  It's important though that you understand the changes you trying to accomplish because changing from a 500 to a 425 in high... more

A: You should allow some time before changing your implants

Sanjay Grover, MD

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.  ... more

A: Probably best to wait

Richard P. Rand, MD

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. 

A: Removing and replacing an implant

Tom J. Pousti, MD

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... more

A: Breast implant reduction is not risky

Darrick E. Antell, MD

I think a 15% reduction in the size of the implant as you requested should not be terribly risky. However, as you have only had the implants in for 3 months, you may wish to wait a bit longer as I have seen people who initially thought a particular implant was too big, or too small, and after waiting decided... more

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