Am I able to exchange implant for a lot smaller and lift?

Question

Hello. So I would like to know if I do not have any options whatsoever. I currently have above muscle saline implants (36DD). Diagnosed breast cancer few years ago. Lumpectomy, Chemo and radiation to one breast. I have wanted to swap out current implant for much smaller poss. Silicone and get a lift. Am told not to do it because of radiation or if I do high risk wound healing complications. So am I just SOL? Nothing I can do? Can’t go smaller.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Many women with a history of radiation have successful revision surgery to improve the aesthetics of the breast without complications. In fact, radiation often causes asymmetries between the radiated and non-radiated side that can be addressed with revision surgery. A history of radiation does increase the risk of problems with wound healing and capsular contracture, but it doesn't preclude you from having revision breast surgery. Decreasing the size of the implant is also less likely to cause complications that increasing the size of the implants. If it's been more than a year since your radiation, now would be a very reasonable timeline to consider revision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear suprwmn72,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can go smaller, but you do have an increase risks in capsule formation and wound healing problems with the radiated breasts.

Am I able to exchange implant for a lot smaller and lift?

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Am I able to exchange implant for a lot smaller and lift?

Answers (3)

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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.