One breast implant is noticeably bigger than the other. What should I do?

I am 4 months post-op of a breast aug with silicone implants. My left breast was smaller than the right to begin with. My PS did a 500cc implant on the left and 425 on the right. Now my left breast is noticeably bigger than the right. I know I am not fully healed, but as my implants settle, the size difference between the two implants is more apparent. How can this be corrected? Also, my PS had me do a “rice test” to get an idea of how big I want to go. Am I liable for the size difference?

Answers from doctors (5)


More About Doctor Albert W. Chow M.D.

Published on Apr 29, 2024

That would be up to you and the surgeon to hash out.. I would wait a full year before having surgery and only if it bothers you because more surgery, more potential for complications, more trauma and more anesthetic risk.

Answered by Albert W. Chow M.D. (View Profile)

That would be up to you and the surgeon to hash out.. I would wait a full year before having surgery and only if it bothers you because more surgery, more potential for complications, more trauma and more anesthetic risk.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Feb 01, 2023

Breast asymmetry as a baseline and after breast augmentation despite all attempts to improve as with different implant sizes can be elusive to fully correct. At 4 months it is likely that your breast implants have fully "settled" by now. You should follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss options. Revision surgery can be considered if bothersome enough. All plastic surgeons have policies to address revision surgery...typically there may be a fee to re operate although significantly less that your initial costs.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

Breast asymmetry as a baseline and after breast augmentation despite all attempts to improve as with different implant sizes can be elusive to fully correct. At 4 months it is likely that your breast implants have fully "settled" by now. You should follow up with your plastic surgeon to discuss options. Revision surgery can be considered if bothersome enough. All plastic surgeons have policies to address revision surgery...typically there may be a fee to re operate although significantly less that your initial costs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Aug 19, 2019

While you are through the primary healing process (3 months), there may still be some residual swelling and/or one or both implants may still need to drop into position.

The best thing you can do is to stay in close communication w/ your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. If this does not resolve on its own, revision surgery may be necessary to correct the size difference.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

While you are through the primary healing process (3 months), there may still be some residual swelling and/or one or both implants may still need to drop into position.

The best thing you can do is to stay in close communication w/ your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. If this does not resolve on its own, revision surgery may be necessary to correct the size difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Christopher Pelletiere, MD

Published on Oct 30, 2018

The only way to correct this would be to place a smaller implant on the left side or a larger implant on the right side. The problem is that no one has perfect symmetry, no matter who they are. Your breasts are sisters, not twins, and sometimes no matter what combination you use they are going to still appear differently. I would discuss this with your surgeon and see what he or she recommends.

Answered by Christopher Pelletiere, MD (View Profile)

The only way to correct this would be to place a smaller implant on the left side or a larger implant on the right side. The problem is that no one has perfect symmetry, no matter who they are. Your breasts are sisters, not twins, and sometimes no matter what combination you use they are going to still appear differently. I would discuss this with your surgeon and see what he or she recommends.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Asymmetry is common and to a certain extent natural. Much of it will settle over time. I typically encourage patients to exercise patience in the early postoperative period. You will not have a reasonable idea of the degree to which things will settle until you reach 6 months.

That being said, if the left was smaller and is now bigger, it is unlikely to be smaller again.

Sizing is a challenging component of any augmentation. The final choice is a function of anatomy, patient preference, and surgeon experience. If adjustments/revisions are needed, policies will vary from practice to practice.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Asymmetry is common and to a certain extent natural. Much of it will settle over time. I typically encourage patients to exercise patience in the early postoperative period. You will not have a reasonable idea of the degree to which things will settle until you reach 6 months.

That being said, if the left was smaller and is now bigger, it is unlikely to be smaller again.

Sizing is a challenging component of any augmentation. The final choice is a function of anatomy, patient preference, and surgeon experience. If adjustments/revisions are needed, policies will vary from practice to practice.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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