While we’d love for all breast augmentation results to last a lifetime, there are many reasons why that doesn’t happen. Our bodies age, our lifestyles change, and the implants used may no longer be the size, shape, or type that fits our desires. If that description sounds like it could apply to you, know that you do have options, and the look you’re seeking may be achievable!
I take a unique approach to breast augmentation that considers not just the patients’ current needs but also their lifestyle, plans for the future, and long-term aesthetic goals. Here are a few of the reasons you may not be happy with your current breast implants, and some unique solutions that may be just right for you.
#1. “My implants are too big.”
Unfortunately, some patients see surgeons who do not fully understand their aesthetic goals and lifestyle, which renders them unable to give them the results they seek.
If implants are too large (or too small), patients may undergo a breast augmentation revision surgery. This procedure swaps out current implants for new ones with the patient’s new goals in mind, whether that be a silicone implant, smaller implant, or switching from a round to a shaped implant.
Note that this procedure should only be performed at least 6 months after a primary breast augmentation. Augmentation results often aren’t final until this point, when the implants have been given enough time to “drop and fluff” into their final position on the chest and results are fully revealed.
If you are still only a few months out of your augmentation and feel your implants aren’t the right size or sit too high on your chest, give it more time! You may be happier with the final result once you’re fully healed.
#2. “I’ve lost or gained weight, and my implants no longer fit my body.”
Weight gain and loss, whether though pregnancy, diet, exercise, or other life events, can drastically change breast augmentation results. Weight gain or loss can cause implants to sit differently on the chest or appear too small or large in proportion to other contours. Changing breast shape after pregnancy and nursing can have similar effects, leaving one breast with more volume or sag than the other.
In such a case, the right approach is a revision breast augmentation, where implants can be exchanged for ones that fit the breasts’ new natural shape. A breast lift may also help reverse any sagging. Some women opt to have their breast implants removed altogether for an entirely natural result. You can read more about explant surgery in our related blog post.
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#3. “My implants no longer reflect my age or lifestyle.”
The breast size, shape, and style that you received years in the past may no longer feel right for you.
In fact, this concern is becoming more common, both in my practice and around the country. The breast augmentation result that was popular 10 to 20 years ago was more round, full, and didn’t necessarily look natural.
Today, nearly all my patients seek results that are more subtle, with a very natural look and feeling to them. The look that is popular now is more timeless, and I believe that the variety of implant options available to my patients will allow them to choose a result that will last well into the future.
Patients also bring up this concern when they’ve become more active than they ever were before. Their current implants may be uncomfortable when they jog, for example, or they may no longer fit their more muscular structure. The breadth of technology available in implants today can provide patients with an implant that is more sleek and shaped to fit naturally with their body structure. That means patients can be comfortable even in vigorous movements but also excited to show off their new look in more relaxed occasions.
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#4. “I’m not happy with the results of my breast augmentation.”
If you’ve undergone breast augmentation at least 6 months ago and you are still not happy with your results, I suggest you reach out to your original surgeon and share your concerns. Your surgeon knows your case best and should be able to offer you a solution and work with you to meet your goals.
You may also want to seek a second opinion from another surgeon (who is board-certified and specializes in breast procedures) to help make sure you’re thinking about all your options. You may decide on a revision breast augmentation and select a different size, shape, or type of implant.
Remember that every patient is different, particularly when we revisit past results: What works for one patient may not work for another. If you’d like to get Dr. Cash’s opinion, you may request an in-person consultation so we can talk in detail about your current situation and create a solution that works best for you.
This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated for 2023.
Good afternoon, my left saline implant ruptured. I went to the surgeon that did my augmentation and lift 8years ago. I know that my implants are under warranty ? but I wanted to get another opinion. I want to get a smaller implant and I know extra skin will need to be cut. I know all cases are different but I was wanting to see how much (average) do u charge for implant revisions.. I would want a smaller implant.
Thank you for visiting my blog Eniko! As you mentioned, each cases is different and has different fees involved but in general, removal and replacement surgery starts at $7,500+. Keep in mind that when choosing a smaller implant, a mastopexy (breast lift) is often so that the skin that envelopes the new smaller implant is tailored to keep a natural and youthful look. Thank you again for your interest and we’d love to speak with you to answer any additional questions you may have or to schedule a consultation. To proceed, simply call us at 713-571-0600 or visit https://www.camillecashmd.com/contact-us/. We look forward to hearing from you!