I have had 600cc HP implants for 20 years with no pre-op sag. I would like to downsize 150 - 200cc, but want to keep the overall same shape as I have now just smaller. Is this possible?
Downsizing and maintaining size can be accomplished with fat grafting. See a provider who is experienced in fat grafting the breast. Going from 600cc to 150cc might take 2 surgeries, but I’m not sure where the 150cc number came from.
Dr. Zenn
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Hi, thank you for your question. First and foremost, I recommend that you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your desired look. It's difficult to answer this question because every individual's body and skin elasticity is unique. Oftentimes, when having a larger implant for several years, your skin stretches out and the smaller implant may not be able to occupy the space and add enough volume.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Should be possible. Please discuss with your plastic surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, your upper poles will be empty.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It's impossible to say without a physical exam, but chances are you'll need a lift at the same time. It might be possible to do an implant exchange, wait and see, and then if you are dissatisfied, go for the lift after you've healed from the exchange. However, most patients would prefer to not pay for two surgeries and endure two recoveries. I recommend a consultation with breast measurements, with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Best of luck!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, downsizing by that amount usually will not change your shape.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can't go smaller without the implant being smaller. You can choose to have less projection and keep the width, or you can have the width go down and keep the projection, which will not have the same amount up high as what you currently do. But if you're going to go smaller, you have to be smaller in some dimension. Generally, 150 mL is about 1 cup size.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for your question. It is not possible for online consultants to give you accurate advice without photos and/or an examination. When discussing downsizing of breast implants, I ask my patients to show me goal photos of the size they are wanting to achieve and after I can see their goals, we can discuss if the downsizing surgery would entail internal capsule work and/or external breast lifting, etc.
My suggestion is to visit with well-experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons who can show you examples of their work and even connect you with other patients who had breast implants downsized, etc. Best wishes.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you downsize by 100cc, you may still be able to maintain your shape. If you downsize by 200cc, you may need some tightening of the breast envelope (a breast lift).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
ABSOLUTELY!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It seems plausible. Go see a surgeon specializing in revision breast surgery so that you can be examined and a better determination can be made.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would assume that you're somewhere between 40 and 55. The extra weight of the implants will cause sagging of the breasts as well as your skin losing its elasticity over time. You're talking about a 25%-33% decrease in size. A breast lift would be necessary to correct the sagging that occurs from a change out to smaller implants.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, the shape will be similar, but no one can guarantee that the shape will be identical.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depending on your skin quality, it might be possible. The anatomic (gummy bear) implants have more projection and stability than a round gel, and so you can get similar shapes with smaller sizes. However, most women who have had implants that are large (>400cc) for a long period time, usually need a lift when they downsize.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for inquiring. However, it is difficult to give you an answer without having seen you. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The answer really depends on your anatomy and current appearance, but in general, most patients in your situation would require a full lift and significant pocket work to simply shrink down to a smaller version of what you've got now. It can be done, it's just a lot harder than it sounds!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible to downsize, but sometimes the pocket inside just needs to be reduced to keep the same look. I would advise you to see a plastic surgeon that performs a significant number of breast augmentations to make sure you get the best results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I do believe it is possible to keep the same shape with the smaller size. I would recommend you seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these options. You may certainly need to consider a breast lift at the same time if you have significant skin sag. All of this can be discussed with an in-person consultation. Best of luck.
Published on Jul 11, 2012