Breast implants are too big for my slim frame. (Photo)

Question

I am 5'8 and 118 lbs- tall and slim. I was a 32b although not full. I asked my surgeon for a full C but nothing bigger than a small d. He put in 420 saline HP dual plane, although I asked for under the muscle, he said dual plane was a better option for me. I'm 8 days post op, surgery was on 4/25/17. I'm in pain, swelling and tightness. I'm sure I am swollen, but how much smaller will the breast look after swelling subsides. I feel so sad and am having regrets.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Congratulations on your recent surgery. It appears you will have a very nice result. You are still early in the post-operative period. It typically takes 3 - 6 months for the swelling to subside and and implants to settle into proper position. Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Also, make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions regarding level of physical activity and use of a support bra. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

It is still quite early to have an idea what size the breasts will actually be. At this point all the photos show a reasonable result. 
The breasts will change over the first 2-3 months following augmentation. It is very common and normal to feel the way you do at this stage.
Dual plane is used by the vast majority of plastic surgeons because it achieves the best and most consistent results. The implant is still behind the muscle.
I would expect the implants to settle into a lower position over the next few weeks.
Best of luck.

Juan A. Brou, MD · Answer

Hello Haydee39, choosing implant sizes is one of the hardest things or the easiest!  Some patients just know exactly what they want and they are happy when you give it to them.  We try our best to figure that out by asking them what they want (as you clearly explained you did) and then we do imaging to simulate the new size with Vectra.  Then we confirm the size by trying old saline sizers under a soft bra and a shirt or tank top.  They all look huge after surgery and not big enough 3 months later.  Given your hight I think 420cc is very reasonable size.  The photos look unquestionably good.  Regardless of this the size maybe too big for your taste and not what you wanted.  That should have been determined before surgery. No problem, easy fix!  We just need to go back to surgery and exchange them for smaller implants.  This time we have to be very careful to get the size right.  The rest of the doctors seem to agree that it's best to wait until swelling is gone to make a final judgement and I agree with that. I never re-operate until at list 3 months after.  That gives the patient and me  time to decide if it's worth or necessary. I just want my patients to be happy.  Some old school docs tend to routinely oversize their patients' implants.  I never understood that, maybe it has to do with the area of the country they're located or personal preference.  I rather go with the patient's preference.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

It is way too early to pass judgement on your implants.  Based on your pictures, you will have a very nice result.  It takes at least 3 months if not longer for the swelling to resolve and the implants to settle.  Be patient.  I often say they call it the recovery process for a reason.  Be sure to address these concerns with your surgeon.  Best of luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Be patient with the results. It can take several months for them to settle and for the swelling to go away. I am very careful with what I put in, and spend a lot of time with my patients to review their goals and even choose a volume with them.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common for patients to feel that their new implants are too large (although  since I am conservative in this regard, my patients often feel they could have been larger). You are still very swollen and need to allow the breasts to drop and the swelling to abate before coming to any conclusions. I believe that you have taken photos using your pre op bra. Obviously, this no longer fits and may be skewing your perspective. Best wishes.

Breast implants are too big for my slim frame. (Photo)

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