Can a doctor lie about the size of implant used?

Question

I 100% understand that implants will look different in different people - that said, I literally looked at hundreds of photos of girls with the same stats as me before choosing 375cc implants. I've even studied girls with my stats with smaller implants and every single one looks WAY bigger than mine. Mine look like jokes - I got the Mentor implant ID cards after my surgery, but still having a hard time believing I ended up soooo small with 375. They look like barely 200ccs!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the concerns after breast augmentation surgery. Assuming you are working with a board certified plastic surgeon, I can assure you that he/she has not lied to you about the size of breast implants used.  If you are fresh out of surgery, it is definitely too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed.You should be aware that a significant percentage of patients at the early stages of recovery will feel that they are too big or (more commonly) too small. I routinely ask my patients to wait at least 3-6 months before evaluating the end results of the breast augmentation surgery. This waiting time allows patients to (usually) physically and psychologically adapt to the new body image. Having said that, your situation does demonstrate some of the issues surrounding pre selection (prior to surgery) of breast implants . In the long term, if you remain displeased, re augmentation with larger breast implants will likely be possible. For the benefit of patients seeking breast augmentation surgery in the future:1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers. I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

as there is a paper trail that starts in the operating room and ends with the cards given to you.  If you're still convinced that the size you got isn't what you asked for, you could certainly pay for another procedure and new implants and have your surgeon check the volume of the implants to make sure they were 375 cc's and not a factory mistake.  And if its verified 375 cc's, all of the costs of replacing your implants would be your responsibility.  Your surgeon has no reason to lie to you about what size implant was used in your case.

Can a doctor lie about the size of implant used?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can a doctor lie about the size of implant used?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.