Sizing Up Breast Augmentation Revision

Considering the need to revise any cosmetic surgical procedure, we tend to think about complications -- a poor scar, bleeding, perhaps an infection which may have occurred after a procedure, all of which are the ‘real’ risks of a surgical procedure. However, when it comes to breast augmentation it seems that breast size is ‘the’ issue and according to what we read, drives most of the revisions after breast augmentation. Some studies claim that the need for revision after breast augmentation can be as high as 20%, or one out of five. In our own practice, we have been able to get this number down to 1% (we can’t be perfect) and I hope to give you some simple steps how get best out of your breast size.

First and foremost, follow your own instincts. Everyone will have an opinion as to the best breast size for you. Even as you look over pictures of others who have had a breast augmentation, keep in mind that you are looking at other’s choices, and you too should have the say on what is right for you. If ‘everyone’ you see has very full or large breast implants, it doesn’t mean that you too must have them and have that ‘look’, unless of course that is what your goal is. Be true to yourself.

It is the look, and not cup size which will ultimately translate into a great result. When planning augmentation focus on the look that is right for you, how you live, and how you feel inside. Pictures and trial bras are a great way to communicate your ideas. Cup size is relative to the chest size, and will vary by different bra manufacturers. If you fit a full C-cup after augmentation, yet wanted a small D should you be disappointed? If your C-cup is soft and the ‘look’ is you, no one will see you as a particular cup size and you shouldn’t either.

Frequently we hear of patients who are asked to try on breast implants, and are asked then to choose the size they want, say the 320cc or the 360cc. Or, some will tell that their friend has the 420cc implant and they want to have the same one. Breast augmentation by the numbers is a gamble. Unfortunately, you just can’t try on an implant, read the number off the back, and know how it will look and feel after augmentation. If it could only be that easy. And, it should be no surprise that if you use the same implant on two different people, you will get two different results. If we ask patients years later what size implant they are wearing very few will remember, however they will be reminded of how they look every day. It is best to forget about numbers when it comes to breast augmentation.

So if it isn’t about the amount of fill or volume of the implant in the bra, just what do we look for with the trial bra? Again, it is back to basics, the volume as it appears, the upper fill, the cleavage and spacing, projection, how clothing drapes and feels. Next, is a review of photos of the ideal you. You might even be able to find someone just like you before, and close to your goal after if you research well. And don’t forget about photos of what you don’t like. A great surgeon will commit all to memory, and use skill and experience to get you there. The number? I forget them too as we have so many implant choices in size and style. But if the end result or ‘look’ is the ‘you’ that you had dreamt about after breast augmentation, revision becomes our least worry.