Is it normal the actual implants are smaller than the tissue expanders? (photos)

Question

I had bilateral mastectomy last year, and had my switch 4 days ago. It seems like the actual implants look significantly smaller than the expanders. I had 350cc filled under the tissue expanders.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear phurting,
surgeons often use bigger expanders so that they could stretch the tissue and create a pocket for a breast implant. Also, expanders project outwards so that is an important factor to consider. You should wait to see the final result. It can take up to 6 months for a breast implants to settle.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Sheldon Cober, MD · Answer

I find that permanent implants placed for the same volume in expanders look about 10-20% smaller, so I strive to get my patients to look 10-20% larger with their final expanded look.  It  also takes several months for the expanded tissues to relax and "settle", so early on things often look flattened without much projection.  Try to be patient!

Is it normal the actual implants are smaller than the tissue expanders? (photos)

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