Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant? (photo)

Question

I'm 5'11'' and 165lbs, with a wide ribcage but small breast pockets. Dr. told me he could only fit HP375cc implants which turned out to look small on me and not proportionate. His excuse was that my breast pockets were too small. So during surgery, is it possible to revise the breast pockets to fit a bigger size implant especially when there's so much space on the ribcage? I had loose skin from breast feeding, so we're talking about the width of the implant.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Although it is not possible to provide you with definitive advice without an person evaluation, most patients are able to "go larger" at a second stage, once the breast tissues have expanded (after first-time breast augmentation). Sometimes, during this revisionary surgery, adjustment of the breast implant capsules is also necessary to achieve the desired outcome.  You will find that online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific advice in regards to selection of specific breast implant size/profile.

Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging) will be critical.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering revisionary breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.

In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "D or DD cup” or "one cup size increase" or "significant or noticeable change" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery ( after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers). Viewing the patient's chest wall in the upright and supine positions, with temporary sizes in place, help select the best breast implant size/profile for the specific patient.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to revisionary breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Allen M. Doezie, MD · Answer

From your pictures it is a little bit unclear about how the implants are sitting on your chest, but generally given your height and ribcage size a larger implants that have a greater width could certainly be accommodated, especially now that the pockets have been stretched out by the 375's.

Christopher J. Schaffer, MD · Answer

Based on your stature, my suspicion is that you could have a larger breast implants.  What is being called "small breast pockets" could be what's known as constricted pole deformities.  This is addressed by dividing restricted bands in the lower part of the breast gland, placing the implants under the muscle, and often enlarging the base of the breast.  This will often allow for a larger implant.  A 375 cc implant for a 5' 11" woman seems small.

Jeffrey Antimarino, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As a generalized answer it is possible in some instances to make the pocket bigger.  However, it is possible to make the pocket too big so care has to be taken.  I don"t make the pocket wider than the width of a woman's breast.   It is also common to be able to go up in size in a re-augmentation procedure but again this is bounded by the width of the woman's breast width, in my opinion. It is not possible to say that this is possible in your situation as I have not examined you.   Be sure the surgeon you have chosen is board certified and has experience in re-augmentation procedures.

Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant?

Answer: Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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

Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant?

Answer: Is it possible to make "breast pockets" bigger than original to fit a certain size implant?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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