Downsizing Breast Implants: Everything You Need to Know

Why People Choose to Downsize Their Breast Implants

Are you struggling with neck and shoulder pain? Are you worried your larger breasts might lead to a hunched back one day? There are many reasons why individuals consider downsizing their breasts or removing breast implants. Whether it’s for health or aesthetic reasons, exploring surgical options for downsizing breast implants is an ideal option for many.

Breast reduction with smaller implants continues to grow in popularity as more individuals want smaller, more proportionate implants. In fact, in 2023, over 76,000 breast reduction surgeries were performed. That is a 64% increase from 2019.

While downsizing is typically a personal choice, there are many health and aesthetic benefits for the individual. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods and benefits of downsizing breasts so you can decide if this treatment is best for you. Here’s everything you need to know:

Methods for Downsizing Breast Implants

If you’re considering downsizing your breast implants, the first thing you’ll want to do is schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon will offer expert recommendations based on your anatomy and desired aesthetic outcome. Some popular surgical options for downsizing include:

Replacing Implants with Smaller Ones
You may want to downsize to a smaller size if you have existing implants. After you choose your new desired size, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your chest muscles and tissue in the area to decide if a pocket adjustment is needed. A pocket adjustment is sometimes necessary to support smaller implants and maintain their appearance. A capsulectomy or breast lift may also be necessary, depending on what your plastic surgeon determines.

Capsule Management
To accommodate smaller implants, your plastic surgeon may need to adjust the size of the capsule. This process may involve tightening or removing specific tissue to ensure the new implants don’t sit too high or too low. After a consultation, the plastic surgeon will explore the surgical options available and offer expert recommendations based on your anatomy.

Removing Implants Entirely (Explant Surgery)
Explant surgery is the process of completely moving breast implants from the body without replacing them. This surgery is common among individuals who have ruptured implants or breast implant illnesses. It can also be a worthwhile option to consider if you want to downsize your breasts. There are various explant options available. Some remove the implant entirely, and others involve removing the implant and capsule. A plastic surgeon will decide which option is right for you depending on how much scar tissue you have from the previous operation and your desired aesthetic goals.

Combination with a Breast Lift
During your downsizing consultation, your plastic surgeon may recommend a breast lift (mastopexy). This is because larger implants can stretch the tissue and cause a sagging appearance over time. Removing the implants can lead to excess or sagging skin behind, causing the breasts to droop. This procedure is ideal for individuals wanting to achieve a natural-looking finish.

Expectations During and After Downsizing Surgery

Once you decide which downsizing surgery is right for you, it’s time to prepare for the procedure. Here’s what you can expect from your breast implant reduction:

Pre-Surgery Preparation
The first step is to consult a plastic surgeon and explore the surgical options. You may also be required to review your medical history and stop taking certain medications. During this time, your plastic surgeon will also set realistic expectations about the procedure. This is the best time to ask questions and address any concerns you may have before moving forward.

The Surgery Process
During the initial breast augmentation, the plastic surgeon creates an implant pocket. The skin may be slightly stretched to accommodate the new implant size. If you decide to downsize your breast size, you may have excess skin or sagging skin left over from the previous surgery.

However, the extra skin makes downsizing breast implants a more complicated procedure. A plastic surgeon may also need to resize the implant pocket to ensure you achieve a natural finish that aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Recovery Timeline
Depending on the type of downsizing procedure, the recovery process can be around three to six weeks. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery process:

• Immediate Post-Surgery: After the procedure, you can expect slight swelling, pain, bruising, and discomfort. This initial discomfort should subside after a few weeks.
• First Few Weeks: You will want to avoid physical activities and wear compression garments the first few weeks following the procedure. Any physical activity must be approved by your plastic surgeon.
• Long-Term Healing: You should see the final results in three to six weeks. If the plastic surgeon is required to remove excess skin or scar tissue, you may find that the healing process is longer than the initial breast augmentation. This will depend on how much the skin is stretched and what procedure is needed for your desired results.

Considerations When Downsizing Breast Implants

There are a few things you’ll need to know before you decide to downsize your breasts. This includes:

Potential Benefits:
There are many worthwhile aesthetic and health benefits to downsizing breast implants. Some benefits you can look forward to include:

• Increased comfort
• Reduced back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Ability to perform physical activities without restricted mobility
• Improved body proportions
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Achieve a more natural look

 

Risks and Complications
Depending on how much scar tissue you have, you may be required to undergo additional surgery. Additional surgeries can help correct scarring and improve the results of the downsizing procedure. A plastic surgeon will also help you set realistic expectations for the procedure, depending on your new desired size and the tissue you have.

Emotional Considerations
A downsizing procedure is a great option, especially if you’re dissatisfied with your appearance. Adjusting the size of your breasts can improve your self-image and increase your self-esteem. However, it’s normal to feel uncertain about the emotional and physical implications. Speaking with a supportive medical professional will give you the confidence and reassurance you need before the procedure.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Downsizing

You’ll want to come prepared for the consultation with your questions or concerns. Common questions to consider addressing include:

• What are my options for implant sizes, and what would look most natural on my frame?
• Will I need a breast lift along with downsizing?
• What kind of scars should I expect?
• How will the recovery differ from my initial breast augmentation?
• Can I continue taking my prescribed medication before and after my procedure?
• How should I adjust my lifestyle before the procedure?
• Will I achieve the desired appearance I’m looking for?

How to Decide if Downsizing is Right for You

Are you not sure if a breast implant reduction is right for you? You can use this checklist below to determine if you’re a good candidate.

• Experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Uncomfortable with the current size of your breasts
• Want to get more active or involved in sports
• Mobility is impacted by the current size of your breasts
• Experiencing a change in personal aesthetics
• Current breast size is not proportionate to the rest of your body

 

If you said yes to any of the following items, downsizing might be right for you.You must set realistic expectations for yourself before the procedure. Address your current concerns with your plastic surgeon so they can help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Body and Lifestyle

Downsizing breast implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Whether you’re experiencing chronic back pain or you want your breasts to be more proportionate to the rest of your body. This procedure can provide long-lasting benefits to your self-esteem and overall appearance.

At Toronto Plastic Surgery, our team is dedicated to helping you through this journey. From the consultation to post-surgery, our team will help guide you through the experience from start to finish.

Contact us today for a free consultation.