I'd like a lift with a large set of implants. Why don't most plastic surgeons perform XL breast augmentations?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor Albert W. Chow M.D.

Published on Feb 21, 2024

Breast augmentation size is dependent on the physical frame of the person. it is determined by what will FIT on the chest. Options can be discussed at a consultation based on health, size and desired results.

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

Breast augmentation size is dependent on the physical frame of the person. it is determined by what will FIT on the chest. Options can be discussed at a consultation based on health, size and desired results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert Kearney, MD

Published on Oct 25, 2016

There is limitation to the surgery. Your skin will stretch a lot and can "ruin" the shape of your breasts. This can be potentially irreversibly. I think most PS want to make you as large as possible, when requested, but keep you from future revisions.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6106_1449684418.jpg
Answered by Robert Kearney, MD

There is limitation to the surgery. Your skin will stretch a lot and can "ruin" the shape of your breasts. This can be potentially irreversibly. I think most PS want to make you as large as possible, when requested, but keep you from future revisions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Oct 17, 2016

Thank you for your question. You are correct that most plastic surgeons are not comfortable performing the XL breast augmentation.
If you are needing a breast lift at the same time, there are limitations as to how large of a breast implant can be placed because safety and blood supply issues are and should be top priority. Make sure to visit with well-experienced plastic surgeons who can show you examples of their work and who can open and honestly discuss both the pros and cons of XL breast augmentations so that you can make an educated decision.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Thank you for your question. You are correct that most plastic surgeons are not comfortable performing the XL breast augmentation.
If you are needing a breast lift at the same time, there are limitations as to how large of a breast implant can be placed because safety and blood supply issues are and should be top priority. Make sure to visit with well-experienced plastic surgeons who can show you examples of their work and who can open and honestly discuss both the pros and cons of XL breast augmentations so that you can make an educated decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Oct 15, 2016

Thank you for your question. The reason most plastic surgeons don't perform XL augmentations is because studies have shown that placing saline and silicone breast implants that are too large for the patient's breast anatomy can result in increased rippling, soft tissue thinning, sagging, implant displacement, and long-term pain or discomfort. Your breast and chest wall anatomy have to be taken into consideration when performing breast augmentation surgery. This is especially true if your are having a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time, because of the potential for damage to the nipple/areola and breast skin by poor blood circulation. The decision not to place an excessively large implant is for your own safety.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6343_1500926941.jpg
Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. The reason most plastic surgeons don't perform XL augmentations is because studies have shown that placing saline and silicone breast implants that are too large for the patient's breast anatomy can result in increased rippling, soft tissue thinning, sagging, implant displacement, and long-term pain or discomfort. Your breast and chest wall anatomy have to be taken into consideration when performing breast augmentation surgery. This is especially true if your are having a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time, because of the potential for damage to the nipple/areola and breast skin by poor blood circulation. The decision not to place an excessively large implant is for your own safety.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Oct 13, 2016

Depending on how much room you have, how droopy your breasts are and how large you wish to go, would determine whether an uplift could be performed at the same time.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7193_1500928629.jpg
Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

Depending on how much room you have, how droopy your breasts are and how large you wish to go, would determine whether an uplift could be performed at the same time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Oct 13, 2016

Most competent, qualified, and caring surgeons aren't interested in performing surgeries that lead to high complications rates. When it comes to implants, your body's anatomy dictates the maximum volume. This is called tissue based implant selection.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6345_1431389523.jpg
Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Most competent, qualified, and caring surgeons aren't interested in performing surgeries that lead to high complications rates. When it comes to implants, your body's anatomy dictates the maximum volume. This is called tissue based implant selection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Oct 13, 2016

One of the first rules of medicine and surgery is "first, do no harm". Large implants are heavy and tend to fall, which may cause the breasts to droop. Conversely, breast lifting procedures are asked to raise the breast and to resist drooping over a long period of time. Large implants work against the long-lasting effects of the breast lift, which increases the likelihood that the breast tissues will stretch and/or droop again. This also means increased costs, increased time away from productive activities (work/fun) and decreased long-term satisfaction.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6214_1431012454.jpg
Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

One of the first rules of medicine and surgery is "first, do no harm". Large implants are heavy and tend to fall, which may cause the breasts to droop. Conversely, breast lifting procedures are asked to raise the breast and to resist drooping over a long period of time. Large implants work against the long-lasting effects of the breast lift, which increases the likelihood that the breast tissues will stretch and/or droop again. This also means increased costs, increased time away from productive activities (work/fun) and decreased long-term satisfaction.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Oct 13, 2016

Breast augmentations with large volume breast implants can lead to a longer recovery, permanent damage to the chest and breast tissue, as well as nipple sensitivity changes. If larger volume implants are the goal, a breast lift with larger implants could be performed and then transitioned to a larger implant when healing is complete.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6162_1431012453.jpg
Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Breast augmentations with large volume breast implants can lead to a longer recovery, permanent damage to the chest and breast tissue, as well as nipple sensitivity changes. If larger volume implants are the goal, a breast lift with larger implants could be performed and then transitioned to a larger implant when healing is complete.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Christopher Pelletiere, MD

Published on Oct 13, 2016

There are those of us who do perform XL breast augmentation (700cc and up), but many plastic surgeons stay away since there are higher complications rates and greater potential for long-term issues. I have done many XL breast augmentations and can say that it is not for everyone. Some patients are limited by their own breast tissues, while others simply do not want the added risks once they learn about them. The best thing to do is to go for a few consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who do XL implants and see what they have to say. I hope this helps.

Answered by Christopher Pelletiere, MD (View Profile)

There are those of us who do perform XL breast augmentation (700cc and up), but many plastic surgeons stay away since there are higher complications rates and greater potential for long-term issues. I have done many XL breast augmentations and can say that it is not for everyone. Some patients are limited by their own breast tissues, while others simply do not want the added risks once they learn about them. The best thing to do is to go for a few consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who do XL implants and see what they have to say. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Oct 13, 2016

The implants are not sold in the USA. Also, XL breast implants increase a woman's risk for complications, such as bottoming out, symmastia, loss of nipple sensation, etc. Additionally, there are physical discomforts like back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as pressure on the chest when lying down and breast ptosis (sagging).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7741_1455309146.jpg
Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

The implants are not sold in the USA. Also, XL breast implants increase a woman's risk for complications, such as bottoming out, symmastia, loss of nipple sensation, etc. Additionally, there are physical discomforts like back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as pressure on the chest when lying down and breast ptosis (sagging).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Breast Implant Replacement

Breast Implant Replacement -13 answers
I have 375cc under the muscle silicone implants. I am having them redone and chose 550cc silicone implants, also under the muscle. Will there be much of a difference?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -5 answers
I had a breast lift with Natrelle silicone implants. They were so small (250cc). It has been 6 months and I still cry. What would just be the cost of the implant, not the surgery?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -17 answers
I'm 3 years into my first BA and I'm almost positive I have a rupture. There is pain in my left side; there always has been. Two days ago I found a gel-like mass near my armpit. I know the implants are covered, but what is the average cost to replace? I'm also a Pilates instructor. How long before I can do Pilates again? Is this typically going to be an every 3 year thing? If so, I think my career may be more important even though I would be mortified to loose them.
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -10 answers
I have 375cc extra high profile implants. I'm going bigger as the 375cc implants are too small for me. It was the biggest size my surgeon could fit. Now that the skin has stretched, I'd like to upgrade. My surgeon thinks I should have 500cc, but will put in 550cc if I want. I have 2 weeks until surgery day. I don't want to wake up devastated again & go through it again without seeing a big difference. I want volume, even with clothes on. Will I see a noticeable difference with this increase?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -15 answers
I am 5'3" 122lbs and currently have saline implants (about 330-350 but can't remember exactly). I was told my width is 12-12.5. I have been to three consultations and have had three different opinions: 1) I can do 550-600cc moderate plus profile mentor silicone implants 2) I can do 600cc high profile silicone implants 3) my body would only fit 450-475 hp silicone implants- natrelle. I want them to look natural but have a noticeable change. I'm not sure what to do from here?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -20 answers
I want to be a full 38 DD. I am currently a 38 C with 475cc filled to 515cc. How many cc's do I need to accomplish this? I'm 48 years old, weighing 190 lbs.
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -12 answers
I am scheduled to have my 14-year-old implants changed out. I'd like to go a tad bigger. I slide laterally, so we are also doing pocket revisions. Is 550 hp silicone too much?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -17 answers
I got cc and 7 months later had the scar tissue scored/removed with the same implant put back. I would like to have the whole capsule removed, a new pocket and new implant. Does a new pocket mean the same thing as removing the whole capsule?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Breast Implant Replacement -1 answer
I currently have 325 cc size breast implants and I fit into a 10E bra, which you can understand is highly disproportionate to my petite frame. I want to downsize to a full C cup. I also think I would require a breast lift along with an areola reduction. Can you please advise?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -12 answers
I'm currently have 345cc implants. Due to a rupture, I'm upgrading. The doctor suggest 560cc. Is this too big?
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -14 answers
I'm just a few days out of surgery and had my previous implants of 315cc upsized to 515cc and see next to no difference 😢. I actually wanted 575cc's as my doc said he doesn't use any bigger than that. When I woke from the surgery he told me that he only placed 515cc as there wasnt enough room to place any bigger. I find it quite depressing. I'm not a small person--5'7" and 80kg, so I wanted at least a noticeably larger size.
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -12 answers
I'm 5'5" 120 lbs, swimmers build. My first BA in 2011 had 250ccs and now got 500ccs. I'm 4 weeks op, and I feel I went too small. My body type can hold a Full D or DDs without looking too fake/obvious. I went back to my surgeon since he did a great job surgery-wise first time. He just said I can go as big as I want and it'll be easier and that he'd give me what I want. I wish I had more guidance and I saw 2 other surgeons for opinions as well. I had a mini lift first time and again now
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -1 answer
I suffered burns after using a heating pad, and now have an extrusion on my right breast.
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -3 answers
I had Nagor implants in 2005. The right one has now encapsulated and the NHS are refusing to operate. I wanted to know if I am eligible for free replacements.
See More
Breast Implant Replacement -4 answers
I have mcghan gel implants. One has ruptured and leaked into my lymph node . I have been on the waiting list for four years. Is this too long to have an implant rupture? How long can a ruptured implant stay in the body before it's removed?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR