Will my breast size decrease after breast augmentation?

Question

I'm 5'5" and 115 lbs. I had rather perky breast to begin with (34 A) but still got high profile. I received 415cc in both sides ,and the brand was round textured Sientra. I wanted a natural sloped look but now I'm wonder whether I went too large for my frame. Did I? Will my breast get smaller or larger? If so, by how much. (7 day post op)

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Two things happen and seem paradoxical. As as the swelling  goes down there will be some shrinkage but at the same time as the muscle relaxes your breast projection grows. In general the breast shape and size proportionality improves..Breast implants initially after surgery when placed in a submuscular position often give superior fullness that corrects itself with time, the "fluff and drop" phenomena. In reality the pectoralis major muscle takes a while to adjust its size to accommodate the implant as well as occasional muscle spasm which keeps the implant projection higher than its final resting shape. Additional variables include:laxity of skin, size difference during prior pregnancies, position of implant,size of muscle, and size of implant.As the muscle relaxes the projection of the implant often increases and the breast shape improves. Massage and use of a superior placed elastic strap can often make this process go faster.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. During the post-operative period the breast are swollen, and the breast implants appear in a much higher position. Over time they descend and fills out the lower half of the breast. It may take several months for this to happen and can be encouraged with breast massage and compression. After the swelling goes down the breasts will appear smaller.  However, as the implants settle, it may appear that the breast enlarges as the lower aspect of the breast fills out (at the expense of the upper portion of the breast).

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

You understand that you still have much swelling at this seven day mark. The volume of the implant itself does not change, but the swelling will decrease and the implant will likely fall into a nice, natural, teardrop shape. This can take anywhere from six weeks to six months. You can probably breast easy that you will have a nice result which looks more natural as time goes on.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Almost all of the patients that have concerns about their implant choice this early after surgery are happy at 6 months.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

You are too early post op to judge results, but likely your consultation would have included the fact that high profile implants usually give less of a natural slope as compared to moderate or low profile implants. The Sientra textured implants are intended to stay in place rather than settle so don't expect them to drop much. However, after your swelling goes down you may find that you like the size and shape so give it time.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

At 7 days post-op, your entire breast is still quite swollen and your breast shape and size will continue to change as the swelling subsides.  It is often challenging to get a natural, sloped breast with a round implant when starting with an A cup no matter what size you choose, but you must be patient and allow the implants to drop in the pocket your surgeon created to appreciate your final result.  This may take up to 3 months.  We often recommend 400-500 cc's with patients with your frame and they are thrilled with their size.  Easier said than done but be patient.  I hope you love your results!

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You are slim and petite, with fairly large high profile implants. Normally, I would tell you that your implants will drop as tissue swelling diminishes, and muscle and skin stretch, but this is true only for smooth implants--textured implants do not move, drop, or settle; your breasts only soften as swelling decreases and tissues mature during the healing process.But you did not ask about position, only size. However, your "natural sloped look" is one that is less associated with HP implants, especially ones that are large for your anatomy.Early after surgery your tissues are swollen, and they will soften as swelling diminishes. You will gradually develop more of a natural "sloped" look, but only to a point, since your implants are narrow-base and taller than moderate plus or moderate profile implants, as well as textured, which means they will not drop into a more full lower pole, more sloped upper pole configuration.The degree of swelling is as individual as each patient, and each surgeon. Things can be expected to change for up to 6-12 months after surgery, and you will likely feel that your breasts have diminished in size as healing goes forward. But it's still early, so give yourself and your surgeon the benefit of doubt and be patient for the next several months as you continue to heal and scars mature. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Mark E. Mason, MD · Answer

If you are asking whether your final result may be smaller than what you are experiencing now, that answer is most likely yes. 7 days is relatively soon after surgery to see the final results of your augmentation. There is still swelling especially at the upper pole even weeks after surgery. The implants should eventually drop into place over time. If your implants were placed under the chest muscle, the swelling is caused by the manipulation of that muscle. Your surgeon may advise that you wear a bandeaux band over the top portion of your breast to decrease the swelling. If you have concerns, I would visit with your surgeon. I hope this eases your concerns.

Dennis Hurwitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. As you may know, it is too early to see your final result. You most likely have swelling and the breast size will decrease within 6-8 weeks. It's best to see your surgeon for follow up to get his/her opinion.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

At 7 days you are swollen and unable to see what your implants will look like in 2 or 3 months.  So be patient and hang in there during this time.  In general hi profile gives more upper pole fullness and moderate a little less.  Keep your surgeon advised of any concerns.  Best wishes.Below is a patient who had moderate Sientra implants, 440 cc , now 3 months after surgery.

Will my breast size decrease after breast augmentation?

Answers (14)

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