Should I have a revision or implant removal before pregnancy if I want to go smaller?

Question

I had breast implants put in 10 years ago, Allegra Silicone 457, I am not certain on my pre op size, maybe 34A, but right now I believe I am 34D. I never got comfortable with the size and always felt they were too big for me. Lately I also started having neck and back issues. I'm planning on having kids soon, but I do not want to wait until after I'm done with all of them. Do you suggest i revise with smaller implants or explant for now? Do you think I will have enough tissue left if I explant?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear anakowa,
this should be your decision since you have multiple options. You can have surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding because you might also need a breast lift later. Another option is to explant or reduce in size now and later get breast lift. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you have neck, back and shoulder pain now and plan to get pregnant then the pain will get worse.  The best option at this time would probably be explantation and lift.  If your implants are totally submuscular then you can use a circumareola approach to remove the implants and lift the breasts simultaneously.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are uncomfortable with the size of your breasts currently then you may feel even more uncomfortable with the size as they enlarge during pregnancy.  For that reason you may want to have the implants removed now.  You can choose to have the implants exchanged with smaller ones at this time, or wait awhile to get a better feel for what you want.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
I perform over 500 breast implant surgeries every year, at least half of which are revisions. If you are definitely feeling too big, then I would explant and the re-augment down the road after you're done having kids.

Should I have a revision or implant removal before pregnancy if I want to go smaller?

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Answer: Explant vs Downsize

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Should I have a revision or implant removal before pregnancy if I want to go smaller?

Answers (4)

Answer: Explant vs Downsize

Answer: Explant vs Downsize

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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