Can you downsize implants? Curious to the possible negative outcomes if any

Question

I'm 22, 5'7 and about 115 pounds. I got 485cc implants about 5 months ago (from a to ddd/dd) and I can tell they're too big. I have rippling on the side (with silicone) and I want to exchange them for maybe around 300cc. I don't have any issue with them other than their extreme size on my frame. it is almost impossible to find clothes too. Would a situation such as that need a lift too? or would the skin not be stretched out enough?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Downsizing implants is possible.  However, going down 185 cc may make the skin envelope loose and you may need a simultaneous lift.  I would need more information to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lexgaydos,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes it is possible to downsize your implants and have a nice result.  An exam is necessary to determine if a lift is recommended.  Typically the larger the implant and the longer they've been in place, the higher the skin is stretched.  Obviously your implants have not been in place long, but an evaluation of your skin elasticity is helpful in determining if a lift is suggested for you.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Of course you can have a change the implants , I have to see your breasts to tell you if you need a lift.  Any questions remain to order

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be able to go down around 150 cc's and have your pockets internally tightened without too much excess skin.  The 485 cc implants are too large and heavy for your frame.

Brad M. Gandolfi, MD · Answer

It depends on how much your skin has stretched and how much elasticity is in your skin. The only way to tell that would be to get evaluated by a plastic surgeon. The bigger the volume change the more likely a lift will be necessary

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Lex,
It’s easy to reduce the size of the implants.  The question is always whether a lift would be required. Photos would help in giving an opinion. 
Go to several consultations with board certified plastic surgeons for their opinions 
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you definitely went with a very large size implant considering how trim you are. i hope your first surgeon told you that was a very large size! I definitely understand your desire to go smaller in size. The concern is whether you will need a lift since your skin has stretched due to these larger implants. 
you can do a virtual consult or email photos or post photos so that this can be better addressed.

best of luck
david berman md, frcsc

Can you downsize implants? Curious to the possible negative outcomes if any

Answers (8)

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