Breast Implants: Q&A
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What Should I Do when my Breast Implants Appear to Be Getting Smaller?
I had breast implants a year ago, and recently, I have noticed them getting smaller. What should I do or what could be causing this?
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25 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
justme6
in Georgia
+4
See your doctor, but here are some issues to think about
When a question such as this arises, it is of course best to see your doctor for an examination, to rule out rupture or scarring around a breast implant. Some times breasts begin to appear firm and small. This may indicate capsular contracture, or hardening around an implant, particularly if the implants were placed above the muscle. Over time, breast tissue diminishes in a patient with a stable weight. Patients may think their implants are shrinking when in fact it is their own breast...
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+3
You need to follow-up with your surgeon
You do not specify if your breast implants are saline implants or silicone implants. If they are silicone breast implants, even if ruptured, they should not change size. This is because your body forms a capsule or sheath around the implant. If the breast implant ruptures, the silicone stays within this capsule. If your breast implants are saline and ruptured, then the volume would almost completely go down to your pre-implant size. You really need to go see your plastic surgeon for an...
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+2
Breast Size Change May Be Normal
The changes you are seeing are most likely the normal "settling" that occurs after breast implant surgery.
Other causes can include weight loss or hormone fluctuations.
Deflating saline-filled implants will cause the breast to become smaller, but having both deflate at the same time is unlikely.
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+2
Implants getting smaller or are you getting bigger?
I have noted patients with similar concerns who have actually gained weight which resulted in an increase in the natural breast tissue. They percieved this as a decrease in size of their implants when it actuality the implants were intact but relatively smaller given the overall increase in breast volume.
It would be HIGHLY unlikely that BOTH of your implants got smaller.
If they are SALINE and it is a slow leak, you will definitely notice a change in size.
If they are SILICONE, see a...
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+2
If they are saline implants they could be leaking.
If you have silicone implants, it is not likely that they are getting smaller, because even if leaking, silicone stays in place. It could be a change in your brest tissue. In any case, see your plastic surgeon promptly.
+2
How small is "smaller"?
There are several reasons why you may perceive that your implants are getting smaller. If your implants are saline filled it is possible that they are leaking and are indeed getting smaller. For both implants to be leaking simultaneously is EXTREMELY rare and for both implants to be leaking at the same rate is even less likely, but it is conceivable that this may be the case. If they continue to diminish in size over the next few weeks to months, then this is likely the cause and you...
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+2
Unless they are ruptured saline, the implants don't get smaller
Unless you have saline implants which are both ruptured (highly unlikely), your implants can't get smaller. However, your body can change and lose volume especially if you are losing weight or body fat. The swelling after surgery was gone by 6 months, so the changes you are experiencing are most likely in your own breast tissue volume. The only ways to change this are to either gain back some weight if you have lost a lot or to have new implants placed.
+1
Breast size change one year after augmentation
The most likely explanation is that the initial swelling associated with surgery has completely resolved and your true size after augmentation is now apparent. Usually, most swelling in the breasts will resolve by around 6 months. Another possibility is that your native breast tissue is decreasing in size either due to weight loss, hormonal changes, etc. This type of change is normal as women age. Finally, leaking implants can potentially lead to a decrease in...
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+1
Breast impants deflating
It is possible that your implants are deflating. There is a major difference with saline and silicone in this respect. Usually when saline implants rupture the fluid is dissolved by the body and the breast goes flat. Silicone implants usually do not leak like saline implants do; instead the breast remains mostly full. You should speak with your surgeon about your concerns and ask him about your options. Most implants come with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty and if you bought the...
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+1
Breasts getting smaller after breast implants?
You have one or two things going on: either your implants are indeed deflating (unusual for both to do this at the same time at the same rate, though) or your actual breast tissue is decreasing in size. If you are truly concerned, go back to your plastic surgeon and have her take a look at you and discuss your options. An ultrasound or MRI would help investigate the issue of deflation, for instance.
+1
Your breasts my just be getting smaller.
Change in your breast size and shape is normal during a woman's life - even after breast augmentation. Within the first year after breast augmentation the breast does change slightly. Usually the breast starts out being somewhat firm and it softens during the first 6-7 months. Sometimes this is perceived as "getting smaller" because the shape of the breast also loosens a little.
Your breasts may just be getting smaller as well. If you have lost...
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+1
Breast Implants appear smaller after a year
Well, if your breast implants are saline-filled and getting smaller, they are deflating. It would be unusual for both to be doing so, however. After surgery, the skin and muscle may relax and the implants will tend to "drop" a bit, which may make them seem smaller. On the other hand, changes in your actual breast tissue or fatty tissue may be responsible for your breasts appearing smaller. Your surgeon can tell you what is happening after he examines you....
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+1
Breasts getting smaller a year after implants
A decrease in the size of your breasts can occur for many reasons. Immediately after augmentation, your breasts will be swollen, and you may notice a decrease in size over a span of several months. However, after a year, it may be a combination of factors.
1. Weight loss is commonly manifested in the breasts before other places in the body, and thus decrease the size of your breasts.
2. Rupture of the implants may have occurred
3. If you gain weight, your implants may...
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+1
Breast implants can appear to change as your body changes
Unquestionably, you should see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. If you had saline implants placed, it is possible that you are experiencing a slow leak. This would be very unusual, however, to be happening on both sides. More likely, your body has changed in some fashion, and your implants are appearing different even though they are not changing. Breast implants change breast size by altering the proportion of volume in your breast with respect to the actual tissue of your body....
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+1
What to Watch for When Your Implants Get Smaller
If you have saline implants and they seem to be getting smaller you may have experienced a rupture; however since both implants have reduced in size equally and have not fully deflated, I doubt that this is the case. Most likely, the decrease in size of your breasts is due to weight loss and or hormones. Since it has only been a year since your surgery, perhaps they have settled into place now and do not have as much fullness up top, creating the visual of larger breasts.
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+1
What to Watch for When Your Implants Get Smaller
If you have saline implants and they seem to be getting smaller you may have experienced a rupture; however since both implants have reduced in size equally and have not fully deflated, I doubt that this is the case. Most likely, the decrease in size of your breasts is due to weight loss and or hormones. Since it has only been a year since your surgery, perhaps they have settled into place now and do not have as much fullness up top, creating the visual of larger breasts.
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+1
Breast implant size after augmentation
Breast size will continue to descend for about 6 months from the time of an implant placement. Changes in the size of breasts one year after implant placement is more likely due to hormonal changes and or weight loss.
+1
Breasts implants don't get smaller.
A saline implant that leaks does get smaller but eventually ends up totally deflated. Having 2 deflate at the same rate is almost impossible. Silicone gel implants don't get smaller even when they fail because the capsule that forms around the implant contains all silicone.
Check back with your surgeon. If you have lost weight, your breast tissue might be smaller in volume. I doubt, however, that there is a problem with the implants.
+1
Implants getting smaller
If you notice your breasts getting smaller you should visit with your surgeon. He/she can assess you and see if there is concern about leaking. If you have saline implants you can simply wait and see if the problem continues. If you have silicone implants your surgeons may order an MRI to see if there is leakage from the implant. Either way you will likely need the implants replaced. If they were placed in the USA you should have a warranty (as funny as that may sound) on your implants. You...
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+1
What to do when breast implants appear to be getting smaller
Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States because it provides a consistent way for a woman to change the shape, position and size of her breasts.
If you have noticed a significant or sudden change in your breast implants, return to your surgeon and let them know of your concerns. It is possible that you may be experiencing a breast implant rupture or the development of a capsular contracture. A board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to assess your...
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+1
Implants changing in size
Consult with your plastic surgeon if you feel that your implants are changing in size, especially after a year. Initialy there is lots of swelling, and then it subsides within a couple months. However, a year post-op surgery there should not be too many changes unless it is due to weight-loss, weight gain, or pregnancy.
I suggest shceduling a meeting with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out a possible leakage.
+1
Implants getting smaller
The biggest concern is your implants are appearing to get smaller is that the implants have a leak. You should go see your doctor and get evaluated. Many times this is as easy as having a physical exam by your doctor. If they are silicone gel implants sometimes it is a bit more difficult to diagnose, and an MRI or Ultrasound is required.
+1
Are Smaller Implants a Big Problem? Check Your Equation
An apparent change in the size of the breasts following Breast Augmentation can be caused by a number of factors.
The breast volume is determined by a simple equation:
Breast Volume = Native Breast Tissue + Breast Implant Volume
Patients with saline implants may experience a slow or rarely a sudden decrease in the size of the breast depending upon the size of the leak, as the body absorbs the saline solution from the implant. It is unusual for this to occur simultaneously and symmetrically...
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Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Contact your Plastic Surgeon if you notice a change in your implants.
If you notice that both implants are getting smaller, there is probably a change in your breast not the implant. If there is an asymmetry between the implants, you may have a leak. Usually saline implants deflate rapidly, but on occasion they have "micro" leaks which deflate slowly. This would not happen on both sides.
If the implants are becoming hard, this may be scar tissue formation. If a scar contracts around an implant, it can reduce the appearance. Again, the best plan is to...
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+1
Whenever you have a concern schedule a visit with your plastic surgeon
It would be very unusual for both implants(if they are saline) to be leaking or deflating equally. Your surgeon will be happy to see you and give a professional opinion after an examination. Some things that can effect the perception of size or breast fullness in patients with implants are changes in weight or the development of a minimal tightening of the capsule around the implants. Subtle changes in the tightness of the capsule around the implant can make a the device slightly rounder and...
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