I think my PS switched my implants and put the bigger one on the wrong side! Any suggestions?

Thank you very much for this question.A month post op isn't enough time to talk about results. In my practice, after performing a Breast Augmentation I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling. Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

You can certainly ask to see your operating records. That should relieve your anxiety. It is very common for each breast to heal/drop at a different rate which is probably what is causing your current asymmetry. Best, Dr. Nazarian

I advise patients to wait 3-6 months before assessing results of a breast augmentation both in terms of size and contour.  At this point in your recovery, you may have some residual swelling and the implants have likely not completely settled. As both of these processes complete, you will see subtle changes the breasts.  Furthermore, healing between the two sides does not always occur at the same rate.  In fact, it is probably just as frequent that asymmetries are noted during the recovery phase which will improve over time.  Specific to your question, it is difficult to assess without preoperative photos (preoperative asymmetry may not be fully corrected with breast augmentation) and current photos.  MRI and 3D imaging would not be used to determine the difference between a 475 and 500cc implant.  You should reference your surgeon's operative report for that.  In truth, keep in mind that there is only a 5% difference between a 475 and 500cc implant.  It's unlikely that a 25cc difference in volume would account for dramatic asymmetries that you are pointing out.  It is far more likely that you had pre-existing asymmetry or that you have asymmetric healing which can improve over the next couple months.

In the operative record there will be a description of which implant was placed on which side. Your surgeon will show this to you to assuage your doubts.

Unfortuantely, the only accurate way to say which implant is which would be another surgery.  One thing to keep in mind is that the left may still look larger because it was larger to begin with and while different implant sizes will help narrow the difference, it will not make it go completely away.  I recommend patience and re-evaluating the results once you are fully healed.  Good luck!

Thank you for your inquiry.  It might be helpful to have some photos, but early after surgery, they aren't usually that helpful unless there is a significant difference.First let me address the size difference of 25cc.  This is just slightly less than 2 tablespoons and if your breasts are on the larger size, I expect you would not be able to tell that small degree of difference.  When thgere is an appreciable difference present before surgery there are several options for your surgeon to help estimate the actual size difference.For your own peace of mind, you may wish to have the operative records from your surgery which will hopfully attest to the proper placement of the different sizes.Best wishes.John J Obi, MD

The larger side will often still be larger after surgery even if two different sized implants are used.  Most women have a size difference.  It may be that the size difference was greater than the 25cc difference in the size of the implants.There is no scan to determine implant size.  You could request a copy of the record from the facility where the surgery was performed.  Notes are made not just by the surgeon but by the RN in the room who will document which implant was placed on each side.

Or maybe the size difference was more than just 25 cc's? Best to discuss with your chosen surgeon. I always use intra operative sizers if I believe the differences are more than 25 cvs. Usually the cvs is much more than anticipated....

Honestly, I doubt you would notice a difference of 25cc even if your surgeon did make that mistake. The best way to put your mind at rest is to request a copy of your clinical documentation. There must be operating notes with labels for the implants clearly marked left and right. There is no way to tell the size of an implant from a scan.

The record should accurately reflect the procedure. Even if not, I know of no way to non-invasively determine this. Twenty-five ccs is negligible. You may even be noticing that the left is still bigger simply because it is and the difference has not been made up. Do a final evaluation at 6-9 months post-op and discuss your options with your surgeon if you are still not satisfied.