When going with smaller implants, how does the Dr. make the cavity smaller to hold smaller implants?

The implant space, if placed under the muscle, is usually made a little larger than the implant itself so the implant moves around a little and feels soft.

Assuming you do not have any extra skin to address, a closure of the pocket with sutures along the lateral and lateral inferior extent of the implant pocket is performed to create a smaller space. This will allow the smaller implant to sit more medially and prevent it from falling out to the sides.  I typically use a permanent suture, such as a 2-0 Prolene.  

When decreasing the volume of the breast implant a number of techniques can be used depending on the presentation of the breast and the amount of reduction in implant volume.Simply going down in profile without changing the implant diameter may eliminate the need for any pocket manipulation. More significant reductions can require suture techniques to make the space smaller.Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate you and review your options. I hope this was helpful.

Thank you for your great question!  Yes, when you are replacing your implants with a smaller implant, your pocket will need to be sutured so your implants don't move around and fall to the side when laying down.  Good luck! ac

Typically the diameter of the implant you and your surgeon choose will match the diameter of your chest. Therefore, the pocket that is made matches your implant's dimenions. If you choose a smaller implant than the dimensions of your chest, then your surgeon can take that into account when making the pocket. It is surgically created and your surgeon can adjust the pocket during the procedure.

Thank you for the question.I believe that every surgeon has his or her own technique to do so, but this is also depending on each patients individual case. The breast size and the pocket creation really depends on how the breast is found on the inside during surgery.

You ask a very important question. It is the rare case that you can simply remove one implant and replace it with a smaller one. Every case and every breast for that matter will be different. It can range from careful suturing closed part of the capsule to other options such as switching the implant to partially under the muscle and possibly performing a breast lift to tighten the breast skin. You should schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast revision who can examine you and review the options you have to make the change you want.I hope this helpsDr. Edwards

Exchanging to smaller implants from bigger ones can be performed only if special techniques are applied such as capsuloraphies, change of plane of positioning of implants and even mastopexy in some cases. Like that the pocket where the implants will be positioned will be smaller and the implants will not "dance" inside a big space while the implants will be firm and tight.

There are several techniques that can be used to create a new pocket for a smaller implant but one would need to do a complete examination and go over sizes to know what would work best for you.

Dr. Corbin

Greetings,As your surgeon makes the replacing implant smaller, the cavity may need to be adjusted both in terms of position and size. If you are looking for a dramatic size decrease, you may even need a breast lift. If you have bottomed out, the location of the implant may be switched from sub-muscular to sub-glandular and the crease fold may need re-anchoring..Breast implant downsizing is a surgical procedure which requires a consultation and examination to know what will best meet your expectations.....Best Regards,