1 month post-op. Why do my 470cc implants look so small? Should I have gone bigger? Will they drop and fluff? (photos)

Question

Hi I had 470cc mentor moderate classic silicone breast implant surgery 31 days ago . I am 5'4 and 155 lbs. Was 34 A before surgery and was hoping to be a 34 full C or D. I am not happy with my implants because they look small and flat. Not much difference like before surgery. It was under the muscles. And auxillary. Is 470cc too small . Should I have gone bigger? My PS told me it take s time for it to drop and fluff.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure.  I think that your plastic surgeon has advised you correctly.  Although online consultants will not be able to provide you with meaningful reassurance, it may be helpful for you to know that a significant percentage of patients at your stage of recovery will feel that they are too big or (more commonly) too small. I routinely ask my patients to wait at least 3-6 months before evaluating the end results of the breast augmentation surgery. This waiting time allows patients to (usually) physically and psychologically adapt to the new body image. 
From the physiological standpoint, it takes many months ( and even up to one year) to see the final results of surgery. factors such as swelling, tissue contraction, skin redraping, implant shifting etc. come into play. You may be pleasantly surprised wants to be "drop and fluff" phenomenon has occurred. You may also be happier once the swelling AROUND the breast implants dissipates and the implants' shape and projection become more visible. 
From the psychological standpoint, patients undergo an “adaptation period" during which time they get used to the changes that the surgical procedure I would send has brought about. Severe emotional swings can also occur after any type of surgical procedure.
Although I cannot comment specifically about your anatomy and its limitations, (generally speaking) every patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery should understand that their anatomic starting point will limit the outcome of breast augmentation surgery.    In other words, a patient's starting anatomy will limit how large of a breast implant can be utilized safely. The use of a larger breast implant (than what is safely "allowed" by the patient's anatomy) can be problematic;  potential problems include breast implant displacement/malpostion issues ( such as bottoming out, lateral displacement, symmastia...)  and/or significant breast implant rippling/palpability.
In your case, I would suggest continued patience and continued close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Larger implants take longer to drop, particularly in smaller women.   Massage can help.  Wait 6 months for the implants to settle and tissues to relax before you determine whether they fit your anatomy.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! At only a month post op you aren't close to your final results. Your tissue needs to relax to allow the implant to fully express. Give it some time, and reassess around the 3 month mark. Best of luck!

Emily B. McLaughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It can take up to 12 weeks for the implants to settle and you to see the final result. You are still early in recovery and your breasts may still change so give it a bit more time before making a final decision if you are happy or not. Follow up with your board certified surgeon to address your concern. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in the healing process and need time for your tissues to relax and let the implants settle. Right now, follow all your post operative instructions and please give yourself time to heal. Remember, this is the size that you and your surgeon selected. Have faith in your surgeon's decision.

1 month post-op. Why do my 470cc implants look so small? Should I have gone bigger? Will they drop and fluff? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Implant Healing

Answer: Breast Implant Healing

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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

1 month post-op. Why do my 470cc implants look so small? Should I have gone bigger? Will they drop and fluff? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Implant Healing

Answer: Breast Implant Healing

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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