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Can I Change My Breast Implant Size?

Breast augmentation with breast implants is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the U.S., with over 300,000 surgeries done annually.

Interestingly, an emerging trend in the cosmetic and beauty industry has been the increased number of breast implant exchanges and removals, with approximately 30,000 women opting to change their implants in 2019.

There are several reasons which may lead women to consider changing the sizes of their implants. Fortunately, with a trained, certified, and experienced surgeon, changing breast implant sizes is a highly successful and highly satisfying procedure for many patients.

Here, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg offer their industry-leading insight into how implant sizes can be changed and ways to ensure you are content with the results from your revision surgery.

Why Do Women Consider Changing Implant Sizes?

As time moves on, most things in life change. From physical appearance, body shape, personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyles, things may now not be what they once were.

For many women, losing or gaining weight can be a significant factor compelling them to reconsider the size of their breast implants. Others, who once desired a buxom, Pamela Anderson look, may now enjoy a more active lifestyle, which involves rigorous exercise that can be hampered by overly large breasts.

For whatever the reason compelling you to consider changing the sizes of your implants, know that the procedure will differ depending on whether you desire bigger or smaller.

Smaller Breast Implants

For women wanting smaller breasts, there are three options – exchange for a smaller implant size, fat transfer, or removal of the breast implant entirely. This is achieved via breast revision surgery, in which the surgeon reopens the initial implant incision, through which to exchange or remove the implants. This minimizes scarring. While this reduces the size of the breasts, going smaller can have other aesthetic implications such as breasts appearing deflated.

In many cases, surgeons often offer breast reduction in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries. Procedures like fat transfer can provide the added shape to your breasts that you may need after a breast reduction.

Breast lifts are another procedure that can restore breast shape and volume after a reduction and can position the breast higher on the chest in an appealing, youthful manner. Some women with naturally large breasts also benefit significantly from breast reduction surgery.

Larger Breast Implants

The case for most breast revision surgeries is that women went too small initially and wish to get larger implants.

Similar to going smaller, the surgeon will reopen the first incisions and insert new, larger implants into the breast pocket. This procedure is more complicated than the initial breast augmentation due to scar tissue formation and capsulation. The surgeon must be incredibly precise and artistic with the operation to ensure the correct position of the new, larger implant and minimize scarring.

Although changing your breast implant size can be an inconvenience, women who are unhappy with their initial implants are always glad that they made the decision to have them corrected. As you consider changing the size of your implants, consider a virtual consultation with the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg to have any questions answered. Alternatively, book your appointment by calling 540 371 7730 or by filling out our  online form.

Most Commonly Requested Liposuction Areas

Liposuction is as versatile as it is effective: This convenient, low-risk procedure can permanently remove unwanted fat from almost anywhere on the body. Liposuction is the best way to contour small areas, too; the thin cannulas used during this procedure can shape even the fingers, toes, ankles, and knees. Most non-surgical fat removal devices are too large to be used similarly.

If you’re considering having diet-resistant fat removed, it’s useful to know the most commonly requested liposuction sites. Having this information will help you work with our surgeons to develop a comprehensive body sculpting plan that meets all your objectives.

The 6 Areas Most Commonly Treated by Liposuction

1. The Abdomen

Unsurprisingly, the upper and lower abdomen are two of the most popular liposuction sites. Liposuction can quickly and permanently eliminate up to ten pounds of belly fat. Keep in mind, however, that this procedure is not meant to serve as a substitute for lifestyle changes. Removing more than ten pounds of fat at a time can cause surgical complications, so it’s not possible to use this procedure as a treatment for central obesity.

Eligible candidates use liposuction to treat age-related fat centralization or inherited fat distribution problems. Mothers also turn to liposuction to get rid of the lower belly “pouch” that often develops after pregnancy.

2. The Breasts

Both men and women can benefit from liposuction’s ability to contour the chest. Men frequently use liposuction to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts). Women may use it to correct breast asymmetry or decrease the size of their breasts slightly (more dramatic reductions in breast size can only be achieved using breast reduction surgery). Some women also use liposuction to get rid of the small pocket of fat that sometimes exists between the breasts and the armpits. Removing this fat can reduce irritation while wearing a bra and make clothes drape in a more flattering way.

3. The Area Under the Chin

Though non-surgical treatments for submental fat exist, they don’t produce results as quickly as liposuction. They can also cause more localized irritation for some patients. Liposuction is therefore still the treatment of choice for most patients who wish to get rid of a double chin.

5. The Thighs

Some women have what’s known as an accentuated “pear-shaped” figure: Their upper body is very lean, while their thighs and buttocks retain stubborn bulges of fat. Liposuction can be used to slim the lower body, giving these women more balanced proportions.

6. The Upper Arms

High estrogen levels tend to increase the amount of fat that’s stored on the arms, as well as increasing breast size. Unfortunately, natural or not, this extra arm fat can make a woman look heavier and less toned than she actually is. Having arm liposuction can improve visible muscle tone and decrease upper body mass at the same time.

To learn more about how liposuction can be used to sculpt a shapelier body, contact PSSF to arrange a consultation. Our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you have about this procedure.

 

 

5 things to know about Breast Augmentation

No matter what surgery you’re considering, it is always best to be well-informed! Even though breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for women today, it can be hard to know what to research before your surgery. Whether you’re curious about the recovery period, the different sizes or types of implants, there is a lot to know! This is why we created the infographic below with the five things you need to know about breast augmentation. If you would like to know more about the breast augmentation procedure or to schedule your consultation with one of our doctors, please contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg.