Feeling Incredibly Small After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Question

Hi all! So I have my breast implant surgery on Thursday 8/16/12. I've been super depressed the past few days b/c my implants just look and feel SO small. I know everyone is telling me to be patient and wait but I can just tell they are small. I gave my PS pictures of the look i wanted, used the vector imaging and still I just feel tiny. I am 5'6, 125lbs was a 34 a/b and went with 375 cc HP silicone gel. Can i expect any positive changes in the next few weeks? Are these a good size for me?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and your photograph.  I always recommend a time period of 4 to 6
months prior to considering a revision of a breast augmentation.  It would be best to return to have a repeat
discussion with your surgeon regarding your satisfaction with the size.  If you ultimately feel that you are too
small, it is relatively easy to up size your implants.  Best of luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the primary reasons patients seek a breast revision is to #increase implant size. Mainly due to the fact the breast #size does not increase after post-operative #swelling disappears and healing is complete. But, it can be up to one year see your #final result. It is certainly possible to #increase your implant size with a #revision. However, the #pocket will need adjustment and a lift may be necessary; to better #support the new implant. Additionally, a mesh for further support may be helpful depending on the #implant size and skin #elasticity.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, there are some risks which your doctor will discuss with you during your consultation.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to be emotional about the breast size being too big or too small early after surgery.  I always suggest you give the surgery several months before making a final decision on your outcome.  Also, if you still feel that the breasts are too small later, it recommend waiting several months before exchanging the implants for many reasons such as risks of infection, capsular contracture and others.  For now I recommend you be patient and work with your surgeon.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear xobabygirl - feeling too small after surgery is very common.  The issue, I believe, in your situation is your height.  What might be the correct implant size for someone your with your original breast size who is 5'2" would look too small for someone over 5'5".  That's what the vector I think, fails to take into consideration.  I always let my patients try on the implants first.  It's not perfect but it gives them a more real life sense of what the implants will look like.  Without seeing you it is difficult to tell, but I would get guess you might need implants almost 100cc's larger.  

	Trying to come up with the correct implant size between PS and patient is always difficult and tricky.  I'm sure your plastic surgeon made his suggestion using all the correct measurements and guidelines. I would wait several months and then if you are still unhappy, see if he can help you with a discounted price to change them out.  Good Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is fairly common to ber a bit down after surgery. Most of this is related to the recovery. Give it a few weeks to get better and allow for things to heal. If you are still unhappy with the implants, you should have a thorough conversation with yrou surgeon and also review your pre and post-op photos.

Feeling Incredibly Small After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Answers (8)