What to Do If Your Implants Are Too Large

When you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery with breast implants, among the many choices you’ll have to make is the choice in breast size. While some women want a modest increase in size, others are looking for something a bit more dramatic, choosing the largest implants available.

Although larger breast implants aren’t always a problem, they can become an issue if you end up going too large. In most cases, oversized implants can be avoided by using sizers before the surgery and by discussing your expectations and goals with your surgeon beforehand.

With that said, there have been cases when breast implants that seemed like the appropriate size turn out to be too large. It could be that after you’ve had time to fully recover and heal from your breast surgery that you realize you just aren’t happy with the size.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with an implant that’s too big for the rest of your life. You have several options if you’re not happy with your results.

The Trouble With Implants That Are Too Big

Overly large breasts aren’t only an aesthetic concern. You might be unhappy with the way your breasts look or might notice that you now have more difficulty finding tops and dresses that fit.

That’s not likely to be your only problem. If you go too big, the implants themselves can cause some trouble. For example, the weight of the implants can cause the skin around the breast tissue to stretch out, leading to sagging and drooping. An implant that’s too big and heavy can cause the breast shape to widen and separate. There’s also an increased risk for asymmetry due to the excess weight of the implant.

Plenty of women with naturally large breasts seek out breast reductions each year because of the challenges of living with overly large breasts. For example, everyday activities such as exercising, swimming or running become particularly challenging when the breasts are very large for their body type. Some women also end up with shoulder, neck or back pain because of the weight of their breasts.

Implant size: how big is too big?

Having realistic expectations about what size is best for you is essential when selecting an implant size. Patients are encouraged to consider how their new breasts will affect their lifestyle and appearance after breast implant surgery. It is especially important to warn our patients of the likelihood of complications that may arise from choosing implants that are too large.

Concerns associated with choosing extra large breast implant include:

1. It is possible for petite patients to suffer from chronic back pain as a result of overly large breast implants.
2. Further breast augmentation revision surgery that may be necessary is more complicated with large implants, they require a larger breast implant pocket, which may be difficult to reduce if the patient later wishes to remove or decrease the size of their implants.
3. The scarring left behind by larger silicone implants is typically more visible than scarring left behind by smaller implants.
4. Since natural breast tissue cannot cover the implant, ripples may be more visible.
5. In the case of overly large implants, the likelihood of contracture is higher, as the natural breast tissue may be stretched or distorted.
6. The risk of displacement is higher for larger implants when compared to smaller ones.
7. Research shows that larger implants can lead to a higher likelihood of post-procedure nipple sensation loss.
8. Breast implant patients may need to undergo a breast lift procedure as additional surgery if their implants are larger, as they may experience faster breast drooping.
9. Stretch marks are more likely to form on the breasts.
10. There is a potential issue known as a “double bubble” where both the implant and natural breast silhouette may be visible.

What is the Safest Larger Size?

First and foremost, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety over the desire for larger breasts. Your surgeon will take into account your body type, existing breast tissue, and other factors to recommend a size that is both proportionate and safe for you.

In general, going up one or two cup sizes is considered a safe increase. This will give you a noticeable difference in size without compromising the integrity of your breast tissue or causing excessive strain on your body.

It’s also important to consider the type of implant you have. Silicone breast implants tend to be softer and more natural-looking, but they also carry a slightly higher risk of complications such as rupture or leakage. Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with sterile saltwater and can be adjusted in size after the initial surgery, but they may feel firmer and less natural.

Ultimately, the ideal breast implant size for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your individual anatomy and preferences. Be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome while prioritizing your health and well-being.

Can You Remove Oversized Implants?

If you do end up with implants that are too big for you, you’re not stuck with them for life. A surgeon can remove your current implants and replace them with a pair that is a more appropriate or proportional in size. Depending on your wishes, it’s also possible to remove the implants entirely, without replacing them. In that case, your surgeon might also perform a breast lift to alter the shape of your natural breasts and to eliminate any sagging.

There’s No ‘One Size Fits All’ Solution

How can you avoid getting a pair of implants that’s too big in the first place? Choosing the right breast size of implant is a bit of an art. It all depends on the woman’s build and preferences. Just because one size looked great on your friend, doesn’t mean it is the right option for you.

Women come in all different shapes and sizes. Choosing the right implant size means looking beyond the size on a bra. You can’t just say ‘I want to be a 36C’ and expect to get your ideal look. Instead, your surgeon will help you choose a size of implant based on your height, the width of your chest and your overall goals. It might be that the size of implant that was perfect for your friend is way too big for you.

It’s also worth considering how active you are when you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery. If you are at the gym every day or love going for long runs, larger breasts could hamper your lifestyle. A larger pair of implants might not look too big, but if they end up keeping you from doing what you love, they’re not the right fit for you.

You’re not on your own when it comes to choosing the right breast implant size. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Paul Vitenas is a top rated plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgeries. He can discuss your implant options with you and help you make well-informed decisions by choosing a size that will meet your goals and that will work with your lifestyle. To schedule a consultation, call 281-484-0088 today.