Downsizing for Large Implants and Saggy Breasts?

asked 3 years ago by JenniferJennifer in Ga
Latest answer by Shahram Salemy, MD
Question viewed 843 times

I had 330 cc's saline, McGhan, textured, anatomical implants for 12 years. This made me a small 32 C. I had them replaced 2 years ago. My breast size became 32 DD and was too wide for my frame. My doctor put in 475 cc filled to 540 cc, Mentor, round, saline. I am 5'3, 120 lbs. Prior to having these implants put in 2 years ago, my breasts were perky. These heavy implants have pulled them south. What are my options for downsizing?

10 answers to Downsizing for Large Implants and Saggy Breasts?

Too large implants with droopiness

At this point, your best option is to reduce the size of the implants and have a lift. Usually when implants are made smaller, a new internal pocket needs to be reconstructed for the new implants. Exactly which surgery is right for you will be tricky to determine. There are concerns with the circulation of thinned skin, the risk of losing nipple sensitivity or the nipple altogether if the lift is too tight for the breast, or if the surgery disrupts blood supply. Reformation of the pockets... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You will likely need smaller implants and possibly a mastopexy

Your situation will require careful surgical planning to give you the best results, but based on what you are saying you may very well need a lift as well as an implant exchange. This can be done and you can certainly achieve a very nice result, but make sure you see a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area with plenty of breast surgery experience in order to give yourself the best chance at a good result.

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Depends on many different factors

There are many issues here to address: Quantitiy of skin Quality of skin Volume of breast parenchyma Implant volume Implant surface (smooth versus textured) Implant position (under vs over) It is extremely important to record several measurement of your breast and attempt to formulate a plan. It may be that all you need is a downsizing and capsulorrhaphy. Alternatively you may require a full mastopexy (breast lift). Schedule a few consults and proceed with a qualified surgeon... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

There is no way to overcome gravity

Large breast and breasts with large implants are subject to the effects of gravity just like everything else. At this point, you likely will require a breast lift in addition to an implant exchange. If you post pictures, we may be able to give you a better idea about your options. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Very large breast implants can be uncomfortable

It is unfortunate to hear that you were very happy for 12 years with your 330cc saline implants and somehow ended up with a 540cc implant when they were replaced. Some patients desire the fullness, and some require a very large implant to reach their goals, however the larger the implant relative to the breast tissue to cover and support the implant, troubles can occur. The implants can become heavy and ptotic (drooping) and the tissues can thin causing the implant to become visible and... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Yours is not an easy situation

I operated on a patient like you just yesterday having had her first implants in CA. I have done an extensive amount of breast surgery for 20+ years and I can assure you that this was not easy and required many of my best tricks. As the others have said, without seeing you, it isn't possible to say what you need. Certainly smaller implants are a must. Possible pocket revisions plus possibly a lift are also options depending on how stretched out your skin is. Go to the very best surgeon... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Going south down south

Jen Jen, It's unfortunate that you are now unhappy with your newer breast implants after only 2 years when it appears that you had 12 good years with the old ones. As you have discovered, saline is heavier than silicone and you have alot more volume of it at 540cc, than you had at 330cc. Large implants in general do not age well. It is likely that your tissues have now been stretched out by the larger implants and that you will need some sort of lift if you downsize the implants. See a... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

A not so unusual problem

To answer your question, your surgeon will need to know your motivation and ultimate desires. If these are out of line with reality and good medical practice, then he/she can discuss this with you to arrive at a decision for what you need. A 32C size, that you were for 12 years, sounds very reasonable. At that size you should look quite good and fit most clothes well. Also, a 320 cc implant in someone your size is quite large. To know what to advise you now, one would have to know why you... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

My (not so?) humble opinion.

Given a 32C bra size, the 475 cc implant even without overfill seems to be too large (especially in the diameter) for your small frame. It is impossible to tell what exactly you will need to correct the situation. Without benefit of exam, I would recommend that you have the implants replaced with a smaller size, and see how things settle. You may or may not need a lift with this, but I would like to try to minimize risk/scar/cost, etc. Less is more. Examination is needed to tell for... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Too many variables to determine without examination

Your situation is quite complex and will undoubtedly require careful analysis and long interactive discussions with your surgeon. You should remember that breast implant surgery is an imperfect operation and it is nearly impossible to get everything you want without some compromise, side effect, or complication over the long-term. It seems you will need to focus on priorities on what are most important for your to have (i.e. size, width, shape, texture, safety, etc.) and what things you can... more