Will skin stretch easier/more after first augmentation?

Question

I had a breast augmentation over a month ago. I was totally flat, no kids and skin pretty tight. My doctor couldn't fit anything bigger than 300cc high profile. I know I will want to have a second surgery. Do you think my skin will be easier to stretch since I have already implants or there is still risk that my skin won't stretch much again. I am just wondering if it's possible for me to add another 300cc or 250cc. Does having first augmentation makes it easier for adding bigger implants 2nd time.

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

Women are usually very happy with their breast augmentation surgery. Sometimes, however, expectations are not met and the patient is left considering revision surgery shortly after the procedure. Choosing a size preoperatively is difficult if the patient and surgeon have not established a good line of communication. Some patients do have unrealistic expectations due to small stature or poor skin quality. In my experience with breast implants, the skin envelope is usually not the problem when it comes to size. It is more often the build of the patient, as the implants get bigger they get wider, and simply won't fit behind the breast of the patient. A consultation with another surgeon may help you focus on your current result and if it makes sense to change anything.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Yes, the skin will stretch.  However, should you decide to have a second augmentation to increase your current breast volume, it's important to note that with larger implants there is usually less breast tissue available to cover the implant.  The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Following breast augmentation surgery initially the skin is stretched in most cases with significant tension. In response to the attention, with time, one's body will grow more skin cells and muscle cells to accommodate the implant. If one chooses to undergo a second surgery to increase the volume, the skin in most cases is able to stretch further. Do remember however that with larger implants, there is less breast tissue relatively speaking to cover the implant.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Without pictures or seeing you in person, it's hard to adequately answer your question. Yes, to a certain degree, your current implant will stretch your skin. However, there are other factors to consider when determining the size of your implant including the actual size of your chest. It may be that your chest is too narrow to accommodate the larger implant. My advise would be to wait at least 6 months, enjoying your new breasts, and then see how you feel. If you still think that you'd like them bigger, book a consultation with your surgeon to discuss options.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

That's difficult to answer- yes your skin should stretch somewhat, but probably not enough to double the implant size.Over time, your breasts may change due to pregnancy, hormones, weight, aging, etc to allow larger implants as you are only 1 month out.There may be some other options for larger implants such as ultra high profile and/or adding fat grafting (if you have adequate fat on your body and are a candidate).An exam and consultation with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Be careful what you wish for! Yes, over thenext 6 months, your skin and muscle will stretch and possibly allow for a larger implant, but please do not over do it! If you stretch the skin and ligaments too much, over time there is an increase rate of complications with much larger implants. Try waiting a full year to see how you look. If your new breasts fit the symmetry of your body, stop, and enjoy the new you!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about breast augmentation.Yes, having breast augmentation stretches the breast skin.  Yes, it usually makes it easier to get larger breast implants the second time.To know what might be right for you, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have breast augmentation or related breast surgery.I hope this helps.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Yes, choosing to have a second surgery to increase implant size is not uncommon. Often patients will choose a higher projection which will allow more volume on a similar width. Wait until you are healed and discuss next steps with your Plastic Surgeon.All the best

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Your skin will stretch to accommodate any size implant.  It is called tissue expansion.  It does not really make much sense to suggest that that is all they could fit.  Whether it looks appropriate is yet another issue.  You will certainly be able to add to your desired volume, assuming you find the right surgeon.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Your skin and muscle will stretch over time to accommodate your new implants  and generally speaking, after 12 months or so, this will create a new baseline for you and you should be able to consider a revision with larger implants.  However, you need to have enough existing breast tissue to accommodate larger implants otherwise there is a possibility that you won't have enough tissue to adequately cover your implants and the implant edges can "show" or rippling can occur.  Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to advise you of your options.  One month after breast augmentation is too soon to be contemplating any revision surgery.

Will skin stretch easier/more after first augmentation?

Answers (19)

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