Can I Change My Breast Implant Size After Surgery?
Although breast implants can often last 10 to 20 years, or even longer, it is possible to change the size of the breast implants during that time. Some women may eventually prefer a smaller or larger breast implant size, while others may wish to alter the size after experiencing pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the effects of the natural aging process. Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, James F. Boynton, MD, FACS, offers advanced revision breast augmentation surgery for individuals who would like to exchange their breast implants with a different size.
Below, Dr. Boynton discusses how cosmetic surgery procedures can help change your breast implant size or breast appearance after an initial breast augmentation.
Revision Breast Augmentation
Revision breast augmentation (also referred to as breast revision surgery, breast implant revision, or even “breast implant exchange” in some cases), can be performed to switch the size of breast implants. During a personal consultation, your new breast enhancement goals will be discussed and a physical examination will be completed to assess your unique anatomy. To increase the breast implant size, Dr. Boynton will need to ensure the width of the base of the implant can fit within the chest wall. In many cases, the original incisions can be used to place the new breast implants. For “downsizing,” Dr. Boynton often recommends the neo pocket (neosubpectoral) technique, which can create a new breast pocket in front of the anterior wall of the preexisting capsule and then collapse and secure the original pocket to the chest wall. He is also skilled in the “popcorn” capsulodesis technique, as invented by Dr. Charles Randquist from Sweden. Dr. Boynton has many years of experience with the technique for downsizing. In some cases, he uses a biologic or absorbable mesh or matrix to help support the implant in cases when it’s needed. This approach may reduce discomfort and minimize potential future complications for many patients. Additionally, if there is lax breast tissue causing sagging, it may be beneficial to incorporate a breast lift with the breast implant revision.
Overall, it is best to wait at least four months to a year after the primary breast implant surgery before undergoing revision breast augmentation to change the size of the implants. The precise time frame will depend on each individual’s unique rate of healing and the time necessary for the implants to properly settle into place. Once a decision has been made for breast revision surgery, Dr. Boynton will be able to make a recommendation as to whether the replacement can be done in a single surgery or if a staged procedure will be the safest and most effective option. In many cases, the removal and replacement can be performed in a single operation.
Fat Transfer / Fat Grafting
When a more subtle increase in breast implant size is desired, a fat injection procedure—commonly known as fat transfer or fat grafting—can be performed in addition to a revision breast augmentation. For this procedure, unwanted fatty tissues are extracted via liposuction from virtually any area of the body and strategically reinjected in the breasts to further enhance the breast size. Although fat transfers can provide a more natural enhancement option, multiple procedures may be necessary to achieve the ideal size increase.
Other Common Reasons for Revision Breast Augmentation
In addition to exchanging breast implants for a new size, there are other reasons one might pursue revision breast augmentation, including:
- Changing breast implant material (silicone or saline)
- Moving the position of the breast implants
- Correcting/enhancing the shape or symmetry of the breast implant appearance
- Replacing a leaking, ruptured, or deflated breast implant
- Fixing a breast implant issue, such as rippling or capsular contracture
- Breast implant removal, often referred to as explantation
Regardless of the reason for making changes to breast implants from a previous augmentation, it is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in revisional procedures. While some breast implant revisions can be a relatively simple exchange, others may be more complex due to the present condition of the breasts, implants, and surrounding tissues, which may not fully be known until the procedure is underway. Experienced plastic surgeons who have successfully performed these procedures many times, such as Dr. Boynton, should know the appropriate, most advanced ways to address cases that appear more complex than others.
To learn more about revision breast augmentation, or to schedule a personal consultation and evaluation with Dr. Boynton, please contact us today.