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Left Breast is Shrinking 3 Months Post-Op Breast Augmentation

Hi there, I had my augmentation on January 18th of this year. I had saline under the muscle surgery. My left breast was slightly lower and slightly larger before my augmentation so my doctor tried to even things out by putting 20 cc more saline in my right breast. 570cc in my left and 590cc in my right to be exact.

As you can see from the pics things looked pretty even on surgery day but as time goes on it seems like my left breast is continually shrinking. PLEASE HELP!!!

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Emmers in Canada

Doctor Answers (16)
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Saline Breast Implant Leak - Beverly Hills

Hello and thank you for the question. In review of your photographs, the findings are consistent with a slow-leak of your left implant. Outside of acute trauma, this generally occurs secondary to a defective valve. Most implant manufacturers will replace faulty implants at no cost to the client. I recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Warmest Regards, Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Loss of size after breast augmentation

Initially after breast augmentation surgery, you are swollen, making you larger that what you will be in the future. As the swelling goes down, and your own breast tissue shrinks from the pressure of the implants, you get smaller. Those changes are generally symmetric and not limited to just one side. Significant loss of size on one side after breast augmentation with saline implants is generally due to a leak in the implant which will eventually go completely flat. Your... more

Breast Implant Rupture

I agree with your observation; it appears that your left breast is slowly becoming smaller than the right breast over time. Because this is a gradual decrease in size and you have saline implants (making a breast implant rupture more noticible than if you had silicone implants) you most likely have a slowly leaking or deflated saline breast implant. Saline implants rupture at about 1% per year; unfortunately you are one of those 1% this year. Here's what to do next: 1.... more

Implant deflation likely

Implant deflation can result from rupture of the device or valve fauilure. Rupture presents with a rapid deflation ove 1-2 days. In your case it has been more insidious with likely a leak at the valve giving rise to a progressive but slow diminution of size. Most major manufacutures have a warranty program inplace to assist in the cost of correction. It might be a good time to review the paticulars of the warranty. Good job with your photos it make it easier for... more

Change in Breast Implant Size after Surgery

Your pictures suggest a leaking saline implant. Suggest you see your plastic surgeon before the capsule contracts any further which may make revision and exchange slightly harder. I wixh you all the best in this undertaking. J. Vicente Poblete, MD, FACS, Avon Lake, OH

Breast implants leak

Your implant is leaking. I would return to your plastic surgery so he can change it out. If you purchased the implants in the states then you should get a free implant and some money from the implant company.

Shrinking Breast After Augmentation

Breasts that appear to be shrinking after augmentation are due to 2 factors: 1. The implant is leaking 2. The pocket is stretching and drooping so that the implant appears smaller. In your case, I feel fairly certain that your implant is leaking. This is not an emergency, but the implant will need to be changed. If you have a Mentor or Natrelle implant, your warranty will help cover some of the expenses.

Breast augmentation

A shrinking implant could be related to an implant leak or a perceived shrinkage because of a change in the implant position.

Left implant shrinking 3 months after surgery.

It's good that you showed the immediate post op picture. It shows that your implant is deflated on the left. You should see your doctor ASAP so that the implant can be exchanged before the pocket shrinks any more. This is due to a manufacturing defect or a problem during insertion in any case you should be able to replace the implant without too much exponce to you.

Left Breast is Shrinking 3 Months Post-Op Breast Augmentation

Appears to be a slowly leaking/deflating implant. Although it is not dangerous, make sure to see your surgeon about this asap to get a replacement implant (typically provided free by the implant manufacturer).

Asymmetry After Augmentation May Be Due Leak

I agree that the most likely cause of your ongoing breast asymmetry is most likely due to a slow partial leak of your left-sided implant. I also agree that you should consult with the plastic surgeon who performed your surgery. If the implant is leaking from a defect in the implant, the manufacturer will likely replace your implant at no charge and also assist with other costs.

Possible leaking implant

I would see your plastic surgeon as I believe from the pics you sent you have a leaking/deflating implant. The correction of this is quite simple and the implant manufacturer covers alot of the cost as well as replace the implant. The sooner you go the easier the surgery is as the pocket doesn't shrink down. Good luck and as we say "get thee to your Plastic Surgeon" as soon as possible.

Ruptured breast implant

This is an obviously deflated left breast implant. Most surgeons believe that saline implants deflate suddenly when they develop a hole or rupture while silicone implants can rupture but usually maintain breast volume. It is unclear whether that occurred here. The good news is that the implant may be replaced by the manufacturer at no cost. Sometimes there is a faulty valve in the implant that leaks rather than a specific hole. The manufacturers like to look at these implants after they are... more

Implant deflation

Thanks for the photographs! It looks like your left implant has deflated. You should go see your doctor and have it replaced.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast size decreasing following augmentation with saline implants

Your photographs are consistent with a deflating left breast saline implant. Saline implants can leak through a very small hole, so the decrease in size may be gradual. You should arrange for a follow-up examination with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Breast implant size change

It does appear as though your left breast has decreased in size possibly representing a saline implant deflation. I would recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in person check. I wish you well. Dr Edwards