Am I going to need a larger implant?

My doctor noticed after my first post op visit that he may have not measured my breasts correctly. He said he took detailed photos and noticed no difference in breast size. He placed 420cc implants high profile on both breasts And now one looks significantly smaller. He thinks we may need to do a revision. Would that mean adding a larger implant? Please help. This is so disappointing. I started with an A cup and I am a very muscularand petite 5'7 tall and 123 lbs.

Answers from doctors (4)


Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

Published on Aug 09, 2017

This can happen - we use surgical simulation software to try to avoid sizing problems but the eye can play tricks especially if there is some asymmetry in the width or overall shape of the pre-op breast. Sometimes patients have asymmetric swelling but that usually subsides within a month of surgery. If your implants are silicone and your breasts truly look different sizes, then the solution is replacement of the smaller size with a larger implant if you like the larger sized breast.

However, sometimes in muscular patients the issue is that one muscle contracts more than the other and leads to the implant looking fuller in the upper pole, which can make the whole breast appear to be larger when really it is just volume distributed a bit differently. Your surgeon's opinion will be the most telling as to what the apparent issue is.

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Answered by Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

This can happen - we use surgical simulation software to try to avoid sizing problems but the eye can play tricks especially if there is some asymmetry in the width or overall shape of the pre-op breast. Sometimes patients have asymmetric swelling but that usually subsides within a month of surgery. If your implants are silicone and your breasts truly look different sizes, then the solution is replacement of the smaller size with a larger implant if you like the larger sized breast.

However, sometimes in muscular patients the issue is that one muscle contracts more than the other and leads to the implant looking fuller in the upper pole, which can make the whole breast appear to be larger when really it is just volume distributed a bit differently. Your surgeon's opinion will be the most telling as to what the apparent issue is.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen Greenberg, MD

Published on Jun 22, 2017

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about your experience.

If your breasts are noticeably asymmetric, it is possible that you will require a secondary procedure to increase the implant size of the smaller breast or decrease the implant size of the larger breast depending upon which breast size you are happiest with. With that said, I would encourage all patients to wait at least 3-4 months before considering revision as implants require at least this amount of time to settle into proper position, a phenomenon commonly referred to as 'drop and fluff.' It would also be important to wait before considering a revision as your breast tissue, skin and muscle need to stretch to accommodate for the implants additional volume and I have found that on occasion and after some time these asymmetries tend to work themselves out and the severity of difference becomes significantly less noticeable.

Please continue to follow up with your operating surgeon and to address any concerns with your doctor directly.

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Answered by Stephen Greenberg, MD

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about your experience.

If your breasts are noticeably asymmetric, it is possible that you will require a secondary procedure to increase the implant size of the smaller breast or decrease the implant size of the larger breast depending upon which breast size you are happiest with. With that said, I would encourage all patients to wait at least 3-4 months before considering revision as implants require at least this amount of time to settle into proper position, a phenomenon commonly referred to as 'drop and fluff.' It would also be important to wait before considering a revision as your breast tissue, skin and muscle need to stretch to accommodate for the implants additional volume and I have found that on occasion and after some time these asymmetries tend to work themselves out and the severity of difference becomes significantly less noticeable.

Please continue to follow up with your operating surgeon and to address any concerns with your doctor directly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Jun 22, 2017

Maybe you had saline implants placed and one partially deflated. If silicone, then if you want to correct the differences, you would need to replace the one. You should check in a sports bra if there is a difference.


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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

Maybe you had saline implants placed and one partially deflated. If silicone, then if you want to correct the differences, you would need to replace the one. You should check in a sports bra if there is a difference.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Jun 22, 2017

Asymmetry is common. Preop, all surgeons strive to assess asymmetry as well as possible and make appropriate adjustments at surgery to improve any differences. Unfortunately asymmetry can often persist despite best efforts. It is always best to maintain a good rapport with your surgeon and not to rush into a revision until the implants have fully settled which can take at least 2 months. Each surgeon has a revision policy. As disappointed as you feel, your surgeon also feels that he or she wants to address your concerns and in order to improve your result a revision may be indicated.

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

Asymmetry is common. Preop, all surgeons strive to assess asymmetry as well as possible and make appropriate adjustments at surgery to improve any differences. Unfortunately asymmetry can often persist despite best efforts. It is always best to maintain a good rapport with your surgeon and not to rush into a revision until the implants have fully settled which can take at least 2 months. Each surgeon has a revision policy. As disappointed as you feel, your surgeon also feels that he or she wants to address your concerns and in order to improve your result a revision may be indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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