Reducing breast implant size. 36DD to 36C. Possible?

Question

I had saline breast implants 7 yrs ago. I want to have them replaced but I want to go smaller. Currently 36DD I want to be 36C. Is this possible?

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

Of course this is possible. It may require some skin tightening and a pocket adjustment to accommodate the smaller implant, but it certainly is possible.  Consider switching to a silicone implant since they have a lower specific gravity and weigh less per cc.  Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At
size 36 each 200 cc’s of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.  To go from a DD to a C would require 400 cc
removal.  If you remove that much volume,
it is likely that your breasts will droop. 
I recommend a new technique called Implant Exchange with Mini Ultimate
Breast LiftTM.  Using only a
circumareola incision it is possible to reshape your breast tissue creating
upper pole fullness, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to
increase your cleavage.  At the same
time, your implants can be exchanged for smaller ones.  Aligning the areola, breast tissue and
implant over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes anterior
projection with a minimal size implant. 
Small round textured silicone gel implants placed retro-pectoral since
they look and feel more natural, are more stable, less likely to ripple or have
complications needing revision.  Implant
profile is irrelevant in the retro-pectoral position since the muscle
compresses it.  This technique avoids the
ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation
and the ability to breast feed. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although it is difficult to give you specific enough advice online, reducing breast size is certainly possible. Your  physical examination will guide your plastic surgeon when it comes to  the details of the operation that will be necessary. For example, some patients who downsize breast implants will also need to undergo downsizing of the surrounding breast implant capsules (capsulorraphy). Otherwise, these patients will experience problems with their  smaller breast implants  shifting/displacing within the remaining large breast implant capsule spaces. Also, some patients who undergo downsizing of that breast implants will need to have their breasts skin envelopes adjusted;  breast lifting surgery may be necessary. You will be best off seeking consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients with revisionary breast surgery. Communicate your goals carefully as well.  Keep in mind that communicating your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size can be a source of miscommunication. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more about revisionary breast surgery. Best wishes.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Your saline implants can be removed.  Your breast size will reduce but no one can say that you will go from a DD to a C cup.  The hope is that your breast size will reduce to give you proportion to your chest, waist and hips. Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

You can always have your implants exchanged for smaller ones, and you may be able to get to a C cup.  However, you may also need a breast lift, if downsizing leaves you with excess skin.

Reducing breast implant size. 36DD to 36C. Possible?

Answers (7)

Answer: Going From DD to C Cup

Answer: Going From DD to C Cup

Answer: Always possible to go smaller

Answer: Always possible to go smaller

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.

Reducing breast implant size. 36DD to 36C. Possible?

Answers (7)

Answer: Going From DD to C Cup

Answer: Going From DD to C Cup

Answer: Always possible to go smaller

Answer: Always possible to go smaller

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.