Aesthetic Surgical Associates would like to help if you want to change your breast implant size. For more information, call us today at 504-226-8200.

Can I Change My Breast Implant Size?​​​​​​​

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States, with more than 300,000 surgeries being carried out every year. But what happens if you undergo breast augmentation, but then later decide that you are no longer happy with the size and appearance of your breasts? Can you change your breast implant size? Let’s find out.


Reasons for changing the size of your breast implants


There is a range of reasons why someone might want to change the size of their implants. Weight change is one of the most common and any sort of fluctuation in weight can affect the way that your breasts look in proportion to the rest of your body. For example, if you have lost a significant amount of weight, very large implants may look and feel unnatural.

You may have changed your work or lifestyle in some way and feel that your current breast implants are no longer suitable for your current situation. Exchanging them for a different size can restore your confidence and self-esteem and will ensure that your breasts continue to work for you at every stage of your life.

Is it possible to exchange your breast implants?


Whatever your reasons are for wanting to change the size of your implants, the short answer is ‘yes’, it can be done. No breast implants are permanent, and in fact, most will require replacing at some point. The average breast implant lasts for between 10 and 20 years, with studies estimating that around 20% of patients have their implants removed or replaced within 10 years. You might be surprised to learn that breast implant exchanges are also a very common procedure. These surgeries take place because the patient decides that they are no longer happy with the implants that they have. This could be more medical or cosmetic reasons or a combination of the two.

What’s involved in changing the size of breast implants?


If you choose to change the size of your breast implants, you will have what is known as revision breast surgery. Ahead of the procedure, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the changes that you wish to make, and together you will determine which type and size implants will be most successful in helping you to achieve your desired appearance.

During the procedure itself, the current breast implants are removed and replaced with ones that are the desired size in a surgery that isn’t at all dissimilar to your initial augmentation. Where possible, incisions are kept in the same place as the original surgery in order to minimize additional scarring.

Issues that can be addressed by changing the size of your breast implants


In addition to changing the overall volume and size of your breasts, changing the size of your implants can also address a number of other issues that you may be experiencing. These include:

  • Any asymmetry or irregular breast shape

  • Moderate to significant drooping/sagging

  • Rippling of the breast implants

  • Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms a constricting capsule around a breast implant, causing it to become hard and/or misshapen


Patients can also switch from silicone to saline implants or vice versa should they wish to.


If you are considering changing the size of your breast implants and you would like more information, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our discreet and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team