I hate how “bulbous” my upper chest feels - will a revision fix this or do I need an explant? (Photo)

This is a good question. While downsizing the implant may help reduce the fullness in your upper chest, some of the fullness can be because of your chest muscles and your anatomy. It is hard to appreciate this on the photograph provided alone. Doing an explant surgery will reduce the overall size and affect the shape of your breasts, but may not fully address the bulbous feeling you have under your collarbone. That's why going over specifically what you do not like about your upper chest will help guide the decision making process. Hope this helps!

I would be curious to see you point out exactly where the fullness up top is that bothers you, and the measurements of your chest versus the implants you currently have. Often this can be improved by changing to a smaller implant or one with a different profile. Sometimes it is fullness from the pec muscle itself, which can be improved by switching to a subfascial implant placement.

Dear Original5236,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question! Unless you want to go right back to where you started, an explant is probably not the best choice. I think that you could get a really nice result with a lower profile implant. It will give you less projection and a smoother transition in the upper pole. Good luck!

Thank you for your question and pictures. From the pictures that you have sent your breasts look very aesthetically pleasing, balanced and natural. That said, if you want less upper pole projection, a smaller implant may achieve this for you at the cost of a smaller sized breast overall. Anatomically shaped implants may also bring you closer to your goal, although this type of implant is limitedly available due to issues with textured implants. Finally, definitely an explant will empty the upper "bulbous" part of your breasts

From these photos, it looks like you have an excellent result from your surgery. You can go to the lowest profile implant or an anatomic implant but you don't want it to be too narrow. It is important that the base diameter look natural and that you don't have too much space between the implants. Upper pole fullness is the goal for most women seeking augmentation. Just realize that there are limitations with any surgery and that we say in plastic surgery, "the enemy of good is perfect). Best of luck.

You are not "bulbous" and have a nice size and shape for your frame. However, if you think you are too large, then drop down to 200 to 225 cc's. Before you explant, remember you were not happy with your size before getting implants and may not be happy once removed. Plus, you will have extra skin and probably some sagging.

While your breasts look great now, if you do not like the upper pole fullness, you may have a revision breast augmentation where the lower pocket is opened up (partial capsulectomy) and the implants lowered into the bottom of the pocket. This will give you a different shape with less upper pole fullness (bulbous as you described).
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

While you appear to have an excellent cosmetic result, if you aren’t comfortable with it, you could consider smaller implants. However, 150 cc may be too small to be meaningful. Recently, I have performed quite a few explants which then leave the patient free to evaluate and consider long term options. Best wishes.