What's The Best Way To Downsize Breast Implants?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have noticed a new trend in 2023 and 2024. More and more women are coming in 10-20 years after Breast Augmentation surgery asking how we can downsize breast implants. Can we make them smaller? Whether it’s due to evolving fashion trends, weight fluctuations, or personal preferences, downsizing breast implants has become a common and empowering choice. For some women, they feel like the implants were always bigger than what they envisioned. Now, they are ready to take control and make a change.
Today’s fashion landscape prioritizes balance and proportion, with a strong focus on natural silhouettes. We have seen a shift away from larger chest and breast volumes. They were popular in the past, but people change and what looks natural changes, too. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to achieving a natural look without compromising the fullness of breast implants.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Simple Replacement
Before I explain the options available to downsize breast implants, it’s crucial to understand that simply replacing existing implants with smaller ones is not advisable. Over time, larger implants stretch the surrounding tissues, creating a pocket that a smaller implant cannot adequately fill. This can result in an undesirable shape with upper breast deflation and lower breast heaviness.
Imagine your current implants were like water balloons that you’ve had inflated for years. Over time, those balloons stretch the skin around them. This makes a big pocket or space for the water balloons to reside in. Let’s say you just put smaller balloons (new implants) inside the same space where the larger balloons previously existed. Now, the smaller implants will slide to the bottom of the big space. This leaves the top of your chest looking empty or deflated and the bottom feeling heavy and full with the smaller implant. Gravity works and will keep the implant in the bottom of the oversized pocket. That is not the look anyone is going for with downsizing breast implants.
That’s why simply switching to smaller implants can be tricky. Instead, we have better options that address the stretched skin and give you a more natural, pleasing shape. Think of it like tailoring a new outfit for your chest.
Tailoring Options to Your Individual Needs
Implant Removal
For those seeking a minimalist approach, complete explantation (removal) of existing implants allows for a return to the natural breast volume. This straightforward procedure minimizes intervention and recovery time. When you see your board-certified plastic surgeon, she will show you how much breast tissue you have left if we downsize breast implants by removing them entirely. It is important to have this visual and really dig deep and see if that volume is enough for you.
Implant Removal with Breast Lift and Internal Bra (Mesh)
For women experiencing skin laxity due to age or stretched skin from the weight of previous implants, combining implant removal with a breast lift procedure is highly beneficial. This comprehensive approach restores youthful breast positioning by lifting the nipple and provides additional support through an internal support system of mesh to support the overstretched skin envelope. Just like with implant removal, you need to see a board-certified plastic surgeon. She will show you how much breast tissue you have left after we downsize breast implants by removing them entirely and doing a Breast Lift. It is important to have this visual of your breast tissue and ask yourself if that volume is enough for you.
Implant Exchange with Breast Lift with Likely Internal Bra (Mesh)
If a moderate reduction in volume is desired while maintaining some fullness from breast implants, exchanging current implants for smaller ones coupled with a Breast Lift offers a comprehensive solution. This approach delivers both volume reduction and improved breast contour. Now this is the most complex of all the options because we are trying to make you smaller but still look full – a little contradictory if you stop and think about it. This option is ideal for those women who know that if we remove the implant entirely, they will not have enough breast tissue to make them feel feminine or like themselves. They know they want to continue to enjoy some fullness that comes with a breast implant, they just want an implant that is smaller than the current one.
Wondering what each of these options look like in real life? Scroll down for REAL Before and After Pics.
Finding Your Perfect Harmony
Ultimately, the ideal approach to downsize breast implants is as unique as each individual. As a board-certified female plastic surgeon with extensive experience in Breast Revision procedures, I can guide you through your options, evaluating your specific anatomy and goals to craft a personalized plan. Our all-female team is here to help you feel comfortable in your skin.
Remember, breast implant reduction is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Choosing a surgeon who listens to your desires and fosters a collaborative environment is key to achieving a result that reflects your authentic beauty and confidence.
Real Before & Afters
Breast implant removal. (Downsized by removing 405 cc silicone gel implants). Notice in the after picture how her breast does not start as high on her chest as it did in the before picture when she had implants. This is a dramatic difference it is important to know what you want before going into this procedure and find a surgeon who understands your goals. While this may be enough downsizing for some women, for others it is too much.
Breast lift with Implant Removal and Internal Mesh Bra. (Downsized by removing 425 cc gummy bear silicone gel implants bilaterally). Notice in the after picture how her breast does not start as high on her chest as it did in the before. That is where the implant once lived and was removed. Also notice how there is no more hanging breast tissue in the lower pole and that changes between the before and after. The Internal Mesh Bra is supporting the breast in that lower pole to maintain a lifted position. These differences are dramatic, and it is important to know what you want before going into this procedure and find a surgeon who understands your goals. While this may be a relief and feel like enough downsizing for some women, for others it may feel too small.
Breast Implant Exchange with Lift. (Downsized by a difference of 100 cc of silicone gel: in the before she has 397 cc on right breast and 457 cc on left breast, both silicone implants. We downsized to 300 cc gummy bear silicone on the right and 350 cc on the left). Notice in the after picture how her breast does not start as high on her chest as it did in the before. Also notice the removal of the hanging breast tissue in the lower pole that changes between the before and after. These are subtle differences, and it is important to know what you want before going into this procedure and find a surgeon who understands your goals. While this may be enough downsizing for some women, for others it is not enough.
