Breast Augmentation Revision to Get Smaller Implants: Is It for Me?

While breast augmentation surgery is intended to make a patient's breasts bigger, it's possible for the implants to be too big. Many patients experience a number of aesthetic and practical concerns when facing such issues and wonder if they can get smaller breast implants instead. Thankfully this is possible. The process is known as breast implant revision, a corrective surgery that can reduce the size of a woman's breasts after augmentation or vice versa.

The team at our Philadelphia, PA plastic surgery center would like to cover the basics of breast implant revision. We hope that prospective patients will get the information they're looking for about the procedure and what it involves.

Problems When Breast Implants Are Too Big

When a patient gets breast implants that are too large, the results of surgery can look unnatural. The shape of the breasts may be too round, the breasts themselves may protrude too far, and the skin of the breasts and chest may seem stretched out. The enhanced curves from surgery may not complement the patient's existing body type either.

Large breast implants can also lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain because of the extra weight from the breast implants. Over time, the large implants can result in major sagging of the breasts, leading to a new set of aesthetic problems later in life.

How Breast Implant Revision Works

Breast implant revision involves the removal of the initial breast implants followed by the placement of new breast implants. By going from larger implants to smaller implants, patients will achieve a more proportionate and natural appearance.

Some additional revision to the breasts may be performed as part of the revision. For instance, a surgeon may remove some excess skin to make the breasts appear perkier in addition to replacing the old implants. Even with minor additional adjustments such as this, the implant revision surgery is essentially like the initial breast augmentation procedure.

Determining a Good Size for the Smaller Implants

It's important to carefully consider the size of the new, smaller breast implants as part of the planning process. Patients will be asked about their aesthetic goals so surgeons can properly meet those needs.

Size isn't the only factor that goes into planning the revision surgery, however. Surgeons will also consider the shape of the breast implants, implant composition (i.e., silicone or saline), and implant placement relative to the pectoral muscle.

Implant Revision Surgery and Surgical Scarring

Whenever possible, the revision surgery will be performed using the initial incision sites. This helps prevent new scarring on or around the breasts after this second surgery. If old incision sites cannot be used, surgeons will make all efforts to limit the size of any new incisions. These scars will fade with time.

The Results of Breast Implant Revision

Patients who undergo breast implant revision generally express positive experiences as a result of surgery. The new, smaller breast implants better complement the figure. That means results that are more natural and appealing. By reducing breast implant size, back and body pain is significantly reduced, as are the risks of pronounced sagging of the breasts later in life.

Learn More about Breast Enhancement Surgery

For more information about breast implant revision and whether or not it's an ideal option for you and your needs, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon today. The team at Jefferson Plastic Surgery will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.