Unhappy with my size after breast augmentation. Can't afford another surgery. (Photos)

Question

I had a breast augmentation done three weeks ago, I know what not very long. But unfortunately my breasts are no where near the size I wanted. I started off a very small a cup, and told my surgeon I wanted to be a large d cup. He told me that 375cc would give me that size and that's the largest I could go. Now that they have healed more they are quite small and no where near what I wanted, and don't fill out my clothing well. What are my options?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think you have a very nice result at this point and I would advise you to do nothing. Give things time to settle and to get used to your new look. If at 6 months after surgery, you are still not happy with the size, you can discuss implant exchange with your surgeon but I imagine by this time that will not be necessary.Best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still quite early into your healing and it's not uncommon and #healing will continue for 2-3 months following your #augmentation #procedure. There may be some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation will be abnormal. Scars will also be changing.
But, it can be up to one year see your final result. Your doctor may require you to move or massage the implants within the breast pockets during the #postoperative period. #Textured implants do not require breast massage. You will be informed about this at your post-operative visits. You must have patience, but if there are any causes of concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff. 
Typically, it's best to wait 6  to 12 months depending on the reason for #revision. Matters such as sagging or drooping  and size change will not improve with time. As with all cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical procedure, communication  and asking questions of your surgeon and the staff are key.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I would recommend waiting several months before judging the results of your surgery.  If you are still unhappy after they have settled you could discuss revision options with your surgeon.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You are very early in your postop course, and this is NOT your final shape. You will have a great result as your tissues will relax and stretch over 4-6 months. I believe your surgeon did a great job. What patients often do not understand, that inserting a very large implant into a small frame and small breasts, leads to very poor results with increased capsular contractures, malposition, overstretching and thinning of the breast tissue envelope and asymmetries. I use the Vectra 3D system to simulate the postop results during the consultation, using different size and profile implants. I find that there's better understanding when the patients see themselves in the simulated postop three dimensional photo from different angles. They have a good visual understanding of what is realistic and what they will look like postoperatively.It might be possible for you to go "bigger" in a year or two, when your tissues are able to accommodate a larger implant. Be patient with your healing. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

You are very early in the healing process and things will change quit a bit.  You will have to be patient and wait until you are 4-6 months out to truly assess your breast augmentation surgery.Unfortunately, there is never a guarantee in size of cup that can be achieved.  A good surgeon will base your surgery on your bodies tissues, measurements and frame.  Given these parameters, the correct size implant is chosen.  At times this may be slightly smaller than what the patient desires, but there are limitations on any given body.  Once you start violating those limitations, you as the patient suffer the consequences later on with revision surgery.Just be patient and see how things look in 4-6 months, you may be pleased then.Good luck.  Hope that helps.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and try to focus on healing.  Your surgeon advised you on what he was comfortable using on your body and its hoped you had a chance to visualize your results either with 3D imaging or use of external sizers.  Yes, other surgeons can put in larger implants but there s a 'big brother' attitude prevailing as to what can be done reasonably versus doing what the patient wants.  Your results are really good and you will have a very nice fit for your body... and if you need a fuller look, padded bras will work well for doing that.  So is it better to have 'big brother' tell you what you can do?  Or letting an fully informed patient choose what they want?

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in your healing phase and need to give your tissue time to settle and relax. Not all women will look good with a D cup. Your surgeon did measure you and advise you about the size best suited for your frame and tissue. If you try to go beyond what your frame and tissue will support, you may have disappointing long term results with stretched out thin skin and sagging breasts. Please discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you are experiencing after breast augmentation surgery.
 Given that 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. 
For example, many of my patients report that as the swelling around the breast implants (for example, in the sternal area) decreases, they feel that their breasts appear more projecting. Also, in my opinion, the "drop and fluff” phenomenon does hold some validity; as breast implants “settle”, many patients feel that their breasts actually look larger. 
Although online consultants cannot predict whether or not you will be pleased with the long-term outlook, of the procedure performed, it is safe to predict that the breasts will change.   If, in the longer term, you remain displeased with breast size, it is likely that re augmentation with larger breast implants will be possible.When it comes to revisionary surgery costs, policies will vary: charges such as facility and/or anesthesia fees are quite customary in most practices.  Often, surgeons will reduce or waive fees.  I can tell you personally that I am much more likely to waive fees for patients who demonstrate an understanding of the circumstances as opposed to patients who expect "perfection" and approach the situation in an accusatory or faultfinding fashion.My best advice: ongoing patience and close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with longer term.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You seem to be healing well so far. As the implants settle they will seem slightly larger - however, you may never truly be a full D. Your options are somewhat limited at this point. You can talk with your surgeon about his revision policy, and see if there is a way that you wouldn't have to pay for the entire surgery. This varies based on individual and practice. Or, you could just give it some time to get used to them. Regardless, your surgeon will likely want you to wait a couple of months for your tissues to settle a bit prior to any revision. Best of luck!

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!
It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place.
Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Unhappy with my size after breast augmentation. Can't afford another surgery. (Photos)

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