Is second breast augmentation surgery easier and is recovery time faster?

Recovery from a secondary breast augmentation is easier than the first, provided no pocket work or external skin lifting is required. The implant pocket is already made and the muscle is already stretched out, consequently there is much less discomfort.One cup size is approximately 150-180 cc's. So if you wanted to go down one cup size, you would need approximately 200-220 cc implants. Also be careful, not all bra manfuctures size their bras the same. Victoria Secrete is generally a half cup size bigger, calling a full C a D.With a  breast implant decrease of 100 cc's, a lift is not generally required. If you have decreased elasticity of your breasts, however, you may need a lift if you have a breast implant size change of greater than 100cc.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACSPlasti SurgeryNewport Beach, CA

Thank you for your question.  With breast revision procedures, more specifically ones to reduce the size of the current implants, many factors can come into play to determine the type of recovery experience you will have. In general however, the majority of patients have stated that they felt the recovery was easier and hurt less than the original procedure.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

There are a few things that factor in such as whether any internal sutures are need to reduce the pocket when placing smaller implants, but in general the recovery is much easier. 

I have done many cases similar to what you describe.  However, each one is unique and based on anatomy.I would advise you, if you can, to have a consultation in person with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.  I always do a complete history (a copy of your implant card with exact style, size, manufacturer), an good exam, the old operative note, and then current breast measurements and photo analysis is what I would need to make a great operative plan for you.  In many cases, when the patient desires to have the implant size decrease, a lift that I can at times, do internally, by modifying the implant pocket from within and seating the implants on top of the chest creating cleavage is what can achieve a new pocket that can fit a smaller implant.  If, however, there is too much skin, then, a mastopexy or breast lift of some type, may be needed.  These are the basic tenets to my doing a good evaluation and making a customized plan for your remodel and request to downsize.  There can be complications, as with any surgery, and the most serious with breast implant surgeries are bleeding, drainage (serum or blood collections in the pocket, and potentially infection.  Of course, there are other aesthetic complications, such as asymmetry, contractures, wrinkles and others.  I hope this helps.  I have a lot of experience with breast revisions and find them quite challenging and rewarding, but I would need to thoroughly evaluate the patient in each and every instance.  I wish you the best in achieving your goals.

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after initial breast augmentation surgery. Yes, generally speaking, ( assuming the breast implants are kept in the same “pockets”), revisionary breast surgery is associated with less discomfort and recovery time. Sometimes, in cases of downsizing of breast implants, additional capsule work is necessary to decrease the breast implant capsule size. If this procedure is performed, your plastic surgeon may have some activity restrictions/instructions for you. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction.  Your question is difficult to answer without an exam because if you are wanting to go down a cup size or greater, there is a possibility that you could use some sort of a lift.  Often a capsulorraphy (internal tightening of the pocket) is sufficient, but sometimes a patient wants to go so small that a full or modified mastopexy (breast lift) is necessary.  I would suggest you make an appointment with some Board Certified Plastic surgeons in your area that perform a lot of revision breast surgery.  Also make sure you see enough before and after photos.  Best of luck to you!

Yes, If the implants are still in place and if you are changing to a smaller sized implant,  the surgery should be easier, less painful and you you will probably recover more quickly than the original augmentation.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore. 

Most patients that have implants under the muscle and then get them replaced are surprised at how much less it hurts and they are usually back to everything but heavy exercise in a few days.