Will implants get smaller as they settle?

Question

I had 300cc unders 4 weeks ago I'm 135lbs 5'9 and wanted a conservative natural looking breast augmentation. My surgeon suggested a 300cc moderate profile saline implant to take me from a b cup to a c cup, we talked about me wishing to be a small c. I'm currently a 32d with most bra manufactures and 32dd with victorias secret that I know size bigger. My implants still have a lot of settling to do, but will they get smaller or appear smaller when they drop?

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Overall I hope you like the "new you."  Yes things will soften, drop and change in shape over time.  Most of all, swelling will resolve and volume will decrease. One study with MRI's of the breasts showed these changes occur up to 6 months.  Great answer below.....avoid focusing too much on cup sizes, as this can be upsetting.   All the best, Dr. Joe

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

At four weeks post op, MOST of your swelling should be gone.  They will not become smaller when they settle and they will not appear smaller.  They will obviously not appear as high on your chest. The superior pole fullness will decrease and the bottom of the breast will fill out more.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery! At 4 weeks post-op, you are still most likely swollen and yes, your implants need to settle.  Once they settle, they will soften and the shape will fill out more toward the bottom of your breasts.  Some patients feel smaller at that point but no your actual implants do not get smaller.  Give it some time and re-evaluate after about 3-6 months.  ac

M. Dean Vistnes, MD · Answer

It usually takes 2-3 months to get to your final shape and result after breast augmentation. As the implants continue to soften, settle and drop the breast shape will change and so will the way you fill in a bra. Don't focus so much on the size bra you fit into, think more so how you look in the mirror. For you height and frame a 300cc implant is not a big implant. You should be happy with your end result. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your plastic surgeon for his evaluation and advice. Good luck, Dean Vistnes.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Your breast implants will settle and appear more natural over time. The swelling from surgery takes several months to disappear. Most importantly, assess your breasts based on what they look like, not on the cup size described to you by Victorias secret.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after breast augmentation surgery. You should be aware that it is not unusual for patients to feel that they are “too small” or “too big”,   early on after breast augmentation surgery.  Most patients who feel this way early on,  ultimately are pleased with the results of surgery in the longer term.
 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 physically and psychologically adapt to their new body image. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon; time and patience will be your best friends. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

David Mathes, MD · Answer

At 4 weeks it is possible for their still to be a very minor amount of swelling but that will not likely change the overall size of the breast. The implant will settle as the implant moves down and fills the lower pole. While the upper pole of the breast will decrease. These are related to positional changes and not to overall size alterations.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question!  Your implants will definitely appear smaller as they settle and the swelling subsides.  In my experience, patients go through an evolution of thinking the breasts are too big, then getting used to them, then thinking the breasts could be a little bigger.  I hope you end at your ideal breast.  300cc moderate is a conservative implant and shouldn't be too big.--Dr. Mussman

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implants will not shrink in size, but tissue swelling from the trauma of surgery will gradually go away.  Plus your tissues will adjust and let the implants settle over time. As the implant drops into place, your breast will look fuller, and your upper chest less full and tight. Please discuss any concerns you have with your plastic surgeon.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The post-op swelling is concealing the "final" result of your breast augmentation, so I suggest that you wait a couple of months for all the residual symptoms to disappear.  It seems that your 300 cc implant is a good choice based on your conservative size goals.  In fact, anecdotal reports show that many women today opt for smaller implants between 300 and 350 cc because they provide a very natural result rather than a heavy top look.I suggest that you stop focusing on the bra cup size, which is downright inaccurate because each bra manufacturer has their own "definition."  Take note that the most important thing is the overall appearance of your breast, including its profile or projection, shape, nipple-areola complex, etc.

Will implants get smaller as they settle?

Answers (10)

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