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Will my Breast Tissues Be Over-stretched by the Time I Downsize?

asked 3 years ago by zuelkea in fdl, wi. usa
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 2,051 times
Tags: explant, skin, stretched

My breast implants are way to large for me. I currently have 400cc high profile implants, and I want to downsize to 250cc moderate. My doctor won't do it for another 3 months. Will my tissues be stretched out too much by then for my smaller implant? I am young and in good shape. I wanted much smaller than what I got, maybe a nice B or small C size but I'm a D! I started with a small A.

13 answers to Will my Breast Tissues Be Over-stretched by the Time I Downsize?

Downsizing implants is a reasonable option for you

Even though you are distraught and disappointed over your results, revision surgery is an option for you. Exchanging the breast implants for smaller ones is not difficult, and is associated with a shortened recovery time. I would have this surgery sooner within the next couple of weeks,rather than later to avoid further relation and stretching of the skin and soft tissues. I would strongly encourage you to return to your treating plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns with him/her. ... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Downsizing sooner may be a better option for you

Nothing elicits more anxiety than breast size. It is helpful to have a thorough discussion PRIOR to surgery so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to size. I never assume that I know what a C or D cup size is. I typically have the patient bring me in a photo of their desired size and shape. I never guarantee a cup size. As for you, it seems that you are quite dissatisfied with your current size. If you were an A cup size, then it is likely that a 400 cc implant was a shock... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Wait 3-6 months after breast augmentation

Operating too soon can certainly lead to long term problems. The capsule around the implant should be allowed to fully mature before entering it again. That would be 3 to 6 months. That will also allow you enough time to know if you are just swollen and the implants need to settle or if you really need smaller implants. Your skin should tolerate that time period just fine. There is a HUGE difference between a 400cc HP and a 250cc mod. Make sure it's what you want. Somewhere along the... more

Robert S. Houser, DO
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

You do not need to wait

In many cases, the results of breast augmentation may initially look too large and round. The shape will frequently mature into a more natural appearing breast over the first 3 to 6 months. I have seen many patients who initially thought there implants were too large who after 3 to 6 months were very happy with their appearance. However, if you are absolutely sure that the breast implants are too large for you, there is no need to wait to have them exchanged. The longer you have... more

John Squires, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

You do not need to wait

If you are not happy with size and you want smaller then your doctor should put smaller implants. The only reason to wait is to make sure you will not change your mind and also make sure all the swelling post surgery is resolved. Waitting longer will not strech your skin . My question to you is did you discuss the size before surgery with your doctor ?

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

I guess you didn't like the advice given on your 3/1 question

Zuelkea, I would have to agree with the advice that you received the other day recommending that you wait a few months to see if you "grow into your implants." Many patients when they first receive their implants feel that the implants are way too big, are in their throats choking them, and look pornographic. It really does take a few months for the swelling to completely resolve, the skin to relax and the implants to settle down. If you are absolutely sure that you have to put in smaller... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

I would replace the implants as soon as possible.

Hi! You are young and fit and your tissues are elastic; so your breasts will probably be OK in any case. But, why wait? The implants are stretching your tissues right now. If you wanted to go bigger, then I would wait to make sure you were doing the right thing. But as it is, you are OBVIOUSLY doing the right thing.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Can't Predict.

The result will depend on the elasticity of your tissues. You may be fine, or not. In your favor is your youth and condition. The longer the implants are in, the more stretch there will be. On the other hand, you don't want to do surgery until the tissues are ready.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Not easy to predict...

Each patient will respond differently. Part of it depends on what you started with in terms of tissue pliability and size. Each will also tolerate different degrees of imperfection in terms of size, shape, symmetry, and laxity. Certainly going from a 400cc high profile to a 250 cc moderate is significant, especially in someone who started out an A cup. However, if your tissues are elastic and you weren't too sagging, you might be able to achieve a more acceptable result than you currently... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Your breasts are probably still swollen after augmentation

I clearly understand your predicament and have had this scenario occur frequently. Typically, in the end, patients are generally satisfied with the size; rarely, do patients seek to downsize their implants. Give it time. Studies have shown that at this point in time you are likely exhibiting a 10% component of swelling. For example if your natural breast is 175 and your breast implant is 375, your augmented breast should be 175 +375 = 550. However, special cameras will likely your breast at... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants

You did not say how long ago you had the implants. I assume it was fairly recent. It is a tough call to go back in early ( less than 3-6 months) to exchange implants for smaller ones. During the early post-op period, tissues are swollen and sometimes a bit hard to deal with. You are right, you may be a bit stretched out if you go several months and then want them changed. Each surgeon will have a different opinion about this. You should talk it over with your doc.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast tissue overstretching depends on skin elasticity

You are going down several sizes, and depending on your skin elasticity, you might be left with excess skin which will sag if not lifted. Ttherefore, it really depends on your skin elasticity and how long the implants have been there.

S. Sean Younai, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Waiting 3 months before downsizing sounds reasonable

Hi Zuelkea, I would agree in waiting the three months your surgeon wants you to wait. That will allow all swelling to resolve and should make your secondary surgery easier to recover from. I do not believe that being stretched to your present size for another 3 months will affect the long-term result of your smaller implants. Waiting will also allow you to see the final size that 400 cc is on your frame and will let you make a better final choice on your smaller implants. Best of luck. more