Severely Depressed by New Breast Implants

You really should wait before making any decisions. You just had surgery and you probably have considerable swelling. Additionally, they implants and tissue need to settle. This process can take several months.

It is too early to evaluate the outcome.  You have swelling and are just getting used to the new volume.  Give it 6 months.  Most people that have concerns about size early after surgery are happy at 6 months.

Thank you for your question.I am very sorry you are feeling depressed. It is not uncommen for women to feel too big following surgery. You still have swelling and the breasts need time to drop and settle into position. Also, you need time to get used to your new body. I would suggest contacting your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best wishes.

The first weeks can be really difficult– physically and especially emotionally after any cosmetic surgery and breast augmentation is no exception Assuming your surgery went well this may be a normal reaction. Although several factors may be involved causing this including underlying stress, medications, psychological tendencies, etc - many women experience a sequence of emotional feelings "Emotional Rollercoaster" following aesthetic surgery - but it does pass. Having a partner, family member , or friend who is supportive can help this process.The stages of emotional ups and downs if understood in advance can help you stay calm and get you through this process more quickly.Phase 1 – Being Out of ItSwelling and discomfort is most severe over the first few days after breast augmentation. Pain medications also can make you disoriented and emotional.Phase 2 – Mood SwingsHaving just had breast augmentation you are adjusting to a sudden change in your appearance with much anticipation.. The presence of bruising, swelling, and edema, your breasts aren't going to be look like the final outcome. Mood swings especially sadness, worry and depression are common.You may even ask: "What have I done?" or think that "I never should have done it" Phase 3 Being over criticalDuring the second week you will probably be feeling a lot better. The edema (swelling) and muscle cramping/spasms if implants were under the muscle will be decreasing and stiches out.. Because of anticipation it is natural for you to look critiacally at your new breasts worrying about symmetry, scars, and so on. . So; it's normal to wonder if you acheived your goal and "what you paid for" . This is too soon to tell and most concerns are resolved with time. Phase 4 Happy at lastFinally, about week 3 or so, you will probably start liking how you look and are feeling much better.. You may be in the mood to buy your new bra to check out the size difference, check out some bathing suits or tops to show off your new figure and show off.Larry Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

When implants are first inserted, they sit high up because your tissues are tight and gravity hasn't taken effect. Over time, natural tissue expansion occurs to allow the implants to fall into place. By this time, your breasts will have taken on a more natural contour, where the lower breasts become softer and rounder. Please wait at least four months for this to happen.This process tends to occur sooner in one breast than the other, so don't be alarmed if you find that your left drops before the right or vice versa.

We frequently see patients who express concern about the size of their breast implants following breast augmentation surgery.  In some cases, this occurs in the immediate postoperative period.  The majority of these patients are concerned that their breasts are too big rather then too small.  As swelling subsides, most of them are ultimately happy with their breast size.
Immediately after surgery it’s hard to make judgments about breast size because of swelling and muscle spasm.  It may take weeks for the majority of swelling to resolve.  In addition, muscle spasm can increase upper breast fullness and make the breasts look larger than they really are.  This may also take weeks to resolve.
Many patients also experience transient adjustment reactions following breast augmentation.  These patients have difficulty adjusting to larger breasts and often feel as if people are staring at them.  With the passage of time, most of them are able to adjust to their new implants.  Eventually, they may even forget that the implants are there.  The adjustment process varies from patient to patient, but may take months.
Immediately following surgery, it’s not unusual to see patients who feel that their breasts are too large.  After several months they adjust to their new implants.  They feel that their new breasts fit nicely on their body and they are happy with their results.  Occasionally, some of these patients will request even larger implants.
If you have concerns about breast size following breast augmentation surgery, you should communicate with your plastic surgeon.  He has dealt with this situation in other patients and can address many of your concerns. With time, many of these concerns may resolve without intervention.  Ultimately, you may still be very happy with your breast augmentation.

Breast implants, when placed under the pectoral muscle, will take several months to ultimately "settle" and lower to their natural position. They will also feel quite firm and tense, they will soften considerably over the next several weeks and months. Try and be patient for now and keep all your follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon.
Do not consider any re-operation surgery until at least six months from the time of your original surgery.

Patients are often unaware that swelling plays a major role in the postoperative course after breast augmentation. It is important to maintain a good rapport with your surgeon and allow the swelling to subside before embarking on any plan for definitive size reduction.

You are a week out. I tell most of my patients that this is a four to six month program. Augmentations typically look great on the table. After surgery they rise upward, and are swollen, (and sometimes "goofy -looking"). They will usually start to move downward at about the week three stage. Message, and/or a bandeau may help. Time is the main thing that you need here. Do tell your doctor your concerns. Most doctors may make changes to size, but only giving time for the situation to settle and the tissues to become supple. Sometimes this can be a year after surgery. Remember each patient is different, and it is important that your doctor knows how you are feeling.

It's not uncommon to be surprised by the appearance of your body immediately after cosmetic surgery. You'll undergo a lot of changes as the swelling goes down and your body accomodates the implants. Many women have felt just like you and after time passed were thrilled with their results. I'm not saying it will necessarily turn out that way for you, but it's more than likely.
Don't do anything rashly. I recommend waiting at least six months prior to making any decisions.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Kaufman