Can I downsize my implants without a breast uplift? (Photo)

Question

I have 260cc implants, low profile overs with slight CC in one breast. Is it possible to have implants removed and replaced with smaller implants; I was thinking of 230cc, but without a breast uplift. I would like to achieve a similar look to the one I have now, natural look for my age i.e. not high breasts. If I have smaller implants, does the pocket that surrounds my present implants shrink around the smaller implants so that the new, smaller implants fit snugly and don't rattle around. Thank you

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  When downsizing implants, if you downsize by a significant amount, you will likely end up with excess skin and a smaller implant in a larger pocket, as you pointed out.  It is quite common to need a lift or tightening procedure when doing this.  Downsizing by 30cc's, however, is really not significant.  You will not notice a difference in your breast size with this small change.  It sounds like you have saline implants and if you have some firmness around the implant and want to exchange to silicone for a more natural feel, this is a reasonable thing to do.  Ultimately, they are your breasts and it is your decision.  Discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon, who can help guide you through this process.Best of luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is certainly feasible to #downsize to smaller implants and also alter the positioning; if possible. However, decreasing is size may also require a Breast #Lift to to #tighten loose skin, better optimize the end result. Any #revision has risks of unhappy outcome or other complications. Also, the right implant for the revision is contingent on shape of body and your desired outcome.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

A difference of 30 cc's is only 2 tablespoons and in most cases not a very noticeable change. Our rule of thumb is that for a difference to be worthwhile it should be around 100 cc's, whether going larger or smaller. that big of a difference however is more likely to require a lift. You may need additional work to treat the capsular contracture.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Reducing implant size from 260 mL to 230 mL is probably not worth the effort. If you go this route however I don't think a mastopexy will be necessary.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

The changes from a 30 cc reduction are minimal and as mentioned by others, a waste of your money.  Why are you even thinking about this?  Once you know, then perhaps the real problem can be addressed once it is identified.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

A 30 cc decreae in volume is a waste of $$$ in my opinion. Please discuss IN PERSON with your surgeon...You need a better understanding of "downsizing"...

Scott L. Replogle, MD (retired) · Answer

There seem to be a number of issues with your situation regarding replacing implants with smaller ones.Breast implants do not lift breasts and removing them (or putting in smaller ones) does not make them sag -- the lift or sag effect is an illusion from gain or loss of volume -- implants are just pillow volume. They do not actually move the breast up or down the chest vertically. The capsule (pocket) around an implant does not shrink predictably with smaller diameter implants. A lower profile of the same diameter will be accommodated but you are already at the lowest profile so there is no options for a smaller implant. You could increase the volume of the implant with a higher forward profile and you can usually get the capsule space to accommodate a somewhat wider/taller implant but not a smaller one. There is no simple way to reduce the width of an implant capsule. 30 cc's is a bit more than 10% of the volume of your implants so it would be a noticeable difference but not very significant. I would agree with the other responses that you don't have good options for smaller implants and 30 cc's is not worth it. The only option I can think of is to convert your implants from above the pectoralis muscle level to partially sub pectoral. The existing volume implants will look smaller even though their volume is the same in the sub pectoral position. This requires essentially a redo of the operation however.

Howard N. Robinson, MD (retired) · Answer

You have relatively small
implants now and reducing them by 30 cc's will not make hardly
any difference.  Don't waste your money.

Can I downsize my implants without a breast uplift? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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