I want to go from 500cc to 350cc. 5'2, 30. Too big for my frame. Had BA surgery 8 months ago. Will they look saggy? (Photo)

Question

5'2, 115lbs, 500cc HP, under muscle, transaxillary. FEEL TOP HEAVY. Good skin elasticity. Rather end up too small vs still too large. Thinking 350cc HP. What size would be appropriate on my frame? 350/375/400cc much different? Can I achieve a natural look going from 500cc to 350cc? How do you make the large pocket smaller so the implant won't float around in the current pocket? How does skin shrink around a smaller implant? Complications going from large to smaller implants? Will they look saggy?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Your skin will not sag, but your implant pocket is too big for the planned smaller implants.  This should be rectified with a closure of the pockets with permanent sutures, called capsulorrhaphy. Rather that think volumetrically (350/400/500), analysis of the photos you provided shows your current implants too wide and too projecting for your frame.  Decreasing the diameter by a centimeter would be helpful.  Decreasing projection to an intermediate profile (moderate plus for Mentor, style 15 for Natrelle) would also give you a less projecting/top heavy appearance. The resulting implant volume would be either 300/325 for Mentor, or 304/339 for Natrelle. Best of luck!

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon!When downsizing, the key is to shrink the pockets as you shrink the implants, so your new, smaller implants don't do backflips and somersaults all over your chest.I perform this procedure through a nipple incision, and use the Internal Bra to shrink your current pockets appropriately. The Internal Bra is my strong, permanent internal suturing technique which can be adjusted to decrease the dimensions of your pocket to match your new implant size. This should not create any sagging or weirdness.I have attached a link to my Internal Bra breast augmentation revision photo gallery for your review- hope it helps!

Stephen Bresnick, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you desire to drop 150cc in implant volume, you will likely develop bottom-heavy breasts unless the breast pockets are internally tightened.   You may also desire to consider changing the profile of the implants to a moderate plus if you desire less projection.  I would speak to your doctor about what to expect from the volume change plus the likely projection change.   If a pocket tightening procedure is recommended, it is done with internal sutures with or without Seri mesh.Best wishes!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and your questions are certainly valid and the responses correct.  Your look is great if you wanted that size and I'm wondering how did you determine what size you were going to use?  But now that you're already here, you could simply have an exchange BUT how much smaller are you willing to go to keep you happy?  That is a tough question to answer.  With a simple exchange, you may have a pocket that is too large and will not shrink to to smaller size and some kind or procedure down the road or you can do it as suggested by others here where you try to do everything at one time.  It adds complexity to your procedure and I prefer simplicty.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Your concerns are understandable.  Keep in mind as you are thinking about your goals that   adjustment of the breast implant pockets (capsule adjustments  otherwise known as capsulorraphy) will likely be necessary to achieve the outcome you are looking for.  Breast lifting will not be necessary in your case.  Ultimately, careful communication of your goals will be very important. The use of goal photographs are very helpful in this regard. Then, when it comes to execution of the procedure: internal adjustments of the breast implant capsules along with appropriate selection of breast implant size/profile will be key. Essentially, the procedure will come down to downsizing enough to achieve your goals while NOT downsizing too much where "sagging" skin becomes an issue.  In this regard, the use of temporary intraoperative sizers utilized once the breast implant capsule adjustments have been made, are very helpful. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to revisionary breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Having such large implants relative to the size of your frame and your natual breasts has associated problems when one chooses to remove them for smaller implants.  Since they have not been in for a year and your skin elasticity looks reasonably good I would plan capsulorrhaphies and exchange to implants in the 325-375 cc range.  I only make my implant size determination at the time of the procedure when sample implants (sizers) can be positioned to demonstrate how aesthetic the result.  Protecting your breasts during the healing process is important to support the adjustment of the pocket and a successful outcome.

I want to go from 500cc to 350cc. 5'2, 30. Too big for my frame. Had BA surgery 8 months ago. Will they look saggy? (Photo)

Answers (6)

More Breast Implant Revision Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Breast Implant Revision Questions

Is there anything I can do to stop my "high beam" nipples from showing all the time?

Will wearing the binder post op keep augmented breasts closer together?

How successful is fat transfer to the breast after explant?

Do I have to pay if I want to redo my breast implants that I had done recently?

Does capsular contracture ever come back worse after revision?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS