Can You Replace Your Breast Implants With A Larger Size?

Many women choose to have adjustments made to the size, shape, or volume of their breasts, particularly women who have gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation is performed by placing a silicone or saline implant into the breast. The size, shape, texture, and type of implant can be customized for each patient so their breast augmentation meets their aesthetic goals.

It can take time to get used to your new bust size following breast augmentation surgery. After you become accustomed to your new shape, breast revision surgery may be the last thing on your mind. However, implants are not lifetime devices, and women choose to replace them because it is time, or there is a desire for a size increase. One of the most common comments heard after breast augmentation is that patients wish they had chosen larger implants. Is it possible to increase the size of your breast implants? It is, with a procedure called breast implant revision surgery.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 37% of breast revisions surgeries are done because women wanted a bigger size. If you are considering replacing your breast implants with a larger size, the first step is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Nana Mizuguchi of Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY. He works closely with his patients to achieve their goals. Read below for more information on how women can opt for larger breast implants.

Talk to Dr. Mizuguchi

During your initial consultation with Dr. Mizuguchi, you can discuss your aesthetic goals and your desired implant size. Speaking with a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can provide valuable information that can help guide your decision. Dr. Mizuguchi can let you know if silicone or saline would be a better fit, and discuss other factors that may affect sizing, such as if the implant will be placed under or on top of the muscle.

Selecting your implant size

Your consultation is the time to see how different sizes would look on your body. Women can try on imitation breast implants called "sizers," which are bead-filled neoprene sacks placed under clothing, to get an idea of what new implants would look like. Your body needs time to adjust to any changes, and going from a cup size A to D may not be advisable, so it is essential to be realistic. Your body frame, size, weight, and chest proportions all play a role in choosing your implants. When women decide to increase their implant size, it may be easier than the initial surgery since the skin has been able to stretch with the original implant.

Breast implant revision surgery

Breast revision surgery can be chosen for a variety of reasons. This surgery can performed for women who no longer want implants or for those who want to change their implants due to sizing. During the planning stage of breast revision surgery, it is essential to make sure you and your doctor are on the same page. Communication with your surgeon is vital so you both have the same expectations. There are a few factors that make this second surgery different from the first, including the presence of scar tissue, the stretching of the existing skin, and anatomical changes to the breasts due to previous implants.

Waiting period

For Louisville, KY, patients who are considering breast implant revision surgery, there is a “wait and see” protocol if you want to go bigger. After your initial breast augmentation surgery, you will not only be sore and tender, but also swollen for some time. It is advised that women wait 3 – 6 months for augmentation revision surgery to make sure all the swelling has gone down, and Dr. Mizuguchi can provide the best possible results with your revision surgery.

Sizing guidelines

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Most implants hold up to 400 cc or more, and routine augmentation procedures are usually between 300 – 400 cc. Generally, every 150 – 200 cc increase equals approximately 1 – 1.5 cup sizes. Dr. Mizuguchi will listen to your goals and answer any questions you may have, and he will offer his recommendations as well. At our Louisville, KY, plastic surgery center, we assist women who want to go larger and help them reach their goals with the outcome they desire.

If you are dissatisfied with your current implant size, you have the option to go bigger. The choice is yours, but it is best to consider all the factors listed above. This includes waiting until your initial surgery has healed so you have an accurate idea of the size you want for your revision surgery. Contact Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY, to schedule your consultation and let Dr. Nana Mizuguchi help you meet your cosmetic goals.