Going Bigger After Breast Implant Replacement?

asked 3 years ago by kiokie in new york, NY
Latest answer by John Philip Connors III, MD
Question viewed 1,792 times
Tags: silicone implant

I recently had my saline breast implants removed about a week ago and had silicone memory gel implants in. I didn’t have the cc information, for the new surgeon sensed it was about 12 years ago when I initially got a breast augmentation.

These implants are softer, but I’m not happy because they're now small and don't seem to fit in my bras now. The right breast was smaller and he filled them both with the same 500 CC’s so the right one is still smaller. I also wanted more cleavage, but it wasn't done. They're placed under the muscle, if that helps. There is no roundness except for the bottom. What can be done about this? Can I still go bigger and achieve the cleavage I want at this point?

10 answers to Going Bigger After Breast Implant Replacement?

Larger implants cause more distortion of the tissues over time

First of all, I would agree with the other physicians who have recommended that you wait at least 6 months before making any long term assessments and certainly before taking any action. By then, your breasts should be well healed and the tissues more at equilibrium. You have already undergone 2 breast surgeries with relatively large implants (500 cc). Over time, the weight of large implants can stretch out the skin envelope and thin what remaining breast tissue you have. It is tempting... more

James C. Grotting, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

You are only one week out from your surgery. Give it time!

Determining the size and shape of implants is difficult and demands considerable attention by you and your plastic surgeon. You are only one week out from your surgery and it is much too early to become upset with the results. Give is time to allow any swelling and bruising to subside, etc. With respect to obtaining tight cleavage, this is more difficult to accomplish as the implants are in positioned in the sub-muscular plane. The origin of the pectoralis major muscle comes off the... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Revision Breast Implants

It is too soon after your most recent breast surgery to completely assess the outcome....although lack of fullness in the upper pole, if this was indeed you goal, will not improve over time. A water displacement technique can be used in the operating room to assess implant volume, but I also aspirate the saline from an implant to quantitate the volume "on the table". This helps figure out what size you were and what size I need to add. Keep close contact with your Board Certifie more

John Philip Connors III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Changing size after Breast Augmentation

At 1 week out from surgery, it is too early to judge your re-augmentation. It is possible to get an idea of volume from previous implants simply by displacing them in water after removing them. Using sizers and having multiple implants available, an appropriate replacement can be chosen. A common concern from patients is not having enough cleavage. When placed in the appropriate position, the implants simply enhance your natural breasts. Trying to create cleavage with surgery often leads to... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Revisionary surgery

At this point after your surgery, it is way too soon to decide to proceed with another breast surgery. However, revisionary surgery is an option. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best possible and safest option for you. It is important that you communicate with your plastic surgeon and explain to them the look or results you want to achieve. I suggest also waiting atleast 3-6 months before you undergo another surgery. Unforunately, it... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Revision breast augmentation may improve cleavage.

Hi. 1) It's almost impossible to advise you without examinig you. 500 cc breast implants are very big and I certainly would not go larger. Huge implants age very badly. 2) You probably need different sized implants in each breast.. I think shape and cleavage can be improved during revision breast augmentation by redesigning the implant pockets.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and exchange

I am sorry that you are unhappy with your results. To get more cleavage you may need to have larger implants. Without examining you it would be difficult to say.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Wait a few months at least before assessing where you stand

Hello, At a week following a redo, you are jumping into more surgery way too early. Give it time. You might benefit from more surgery but wait at least 3-6 months to let things mature so you can make a decision with which you should be happy. Once things mature you might decide to leave things as they are.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Do not do anything for at least 6 months

Revision breast surgery can be tricky. It can be challenging to perform a revision based on the size of your previous implants, your anatomy and how much your skin may have stretched from your previous augmentation. My initial suggestion would be to wait for at least 6 months to allow your swelling to completely subside and your implants to assume their final position. It may be difficult to obtain cleavage if your implants are not large enough to completely fill your existing breast... more

David A. Robinson, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant volume is only part of the answer

It is nearly impossible to answer your question without examing you. The dimensions of your implant relative to your chest anatomy is more important that the volume. 500cc is quite large already and you have to be careful about long term effects of having implants that are large relative to your natrual anatomy. Cleavage is a function of natural breast superimposed on implants of a certain dimension and is more easily attain whenthe implants are placed over the muscle. Have your surgeon... more