Would a surgeon revise larger implant? (photo)

Question

Background: I got a breast aug. and surgeon placed a 110cc size difference without telling me before hand. 2. She revised it and now my L is 295cc and my R 330cc. 3. She won’t fix it and says I’d be hard pressed to find a surgeon who would considering the size difference is so miniscule 4. I can feel a difference and the bigger implant presses on the medial aspect of my chest and hurts. It’s uncomfortable. Can I find a surgeon who would touch this and bring it down to 295cc?

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is challenging to assess asymmetries through photographs alone; an in-person examination would provide a surgeon with more comprehensive information. However, you can find a surgeon willing to revise your implant size, especially since you are experiencing discomfort and asymmetry, even if the difference seems minimal to your previous surgeon. If the larger implant is pressing on your chest and causing pain, a surgeon who listens to patient concerns will likely be open to performing a revision. Look for a board-certified surgeon specialized in revision breast surgery who understands the importance of patient comfort over volume differences.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Caring694564,

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

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I did not see a 110cc difference between the right and left breast in the initial preoperative photo (which appears to be a picture of the Vectra). If your goal is to purely have an implant exchange without any other considerations (you are dead-set minded that you just want a 295 placed, then I think that is a reasonable request). I am sure many plastic surgeons would agree to perform this procedure for you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is possible to revise the larger implant by taking out the 330 cc and reducing it to 295 cc. 35 cc reduction would not make much of a change. What is greater concern to me is that your implants appear to be bottoming out and the nipples are aiming more upward. You may be better off with smaller implants on both side.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Although difficult to say from photos, it does appear that your right side, the side with the 330 still looks bigger than the left side with the 295. Also it does appear that the tuck is lower. The best approach would be to have a capsulorrhaphy on the right side to bring up the tuck and to put a smaller implant on that side as well. Not sure this would help with your discomfort, but from a aesthetic standpoint, you would be more symmetrical.

Hope that helps.

Hope that helps.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to assess asymmetries with photos, although I do see them. I think an in person examination would tell a surgeon much more about both static and dynamic issues that may be occuring. Even if a reasonable surgical plan was devised to address those issues, there is no guarantee that discomfort would be abated completely. I think you'll find plenty of surgeons to operate on you, the real question is are they really capable to help you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can find a surgeon in your area who could exchange the larger implant for something smaller if you want. However, consider if the additional cost is worth going down 35 cc's. Now one will notice this in your clothes.

Would a surgeon revise larger implant? (photo)

Answers (7)

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