Understanding Your Desire for Bigger Breasts
Breast augmentation revision to go bigger is a common procedure for women who feel their initial implants were too small. If you’re considering this, you’re not alone—research shows that 37% of breast revision surgeries are performed because women wanted a bigger size.
Quick Answer: Planning Your Revision to Go Bigger
- Wait 6-12 months after your initial augmentation for full healing and implant settling.
- Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision surgery.
- Discuss your goals using implant sizers and inspiration photos.
- Understand the process: pocket expansion, possible incision reuse, and recovery timeline.
- Consider factors: your body frame, skin elasticity, and whether you need a lift.
Many women find they desire a larger size after their first augmentation. You might have chosen conservatively, miss the post-surgical fullness from swelling, or experienced body changes from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.
The good news is that replacing implants with larger ones is often a straightforward procedure. Most surgeons can expand the existing implant pocket to accommodate bigger implants. Recovery is also typically easier than the first augmentation because the tissues have already been stretched.
However, this is still surgery that requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and proper timing. You’ll need to consider how much bigger you want to go, what your body can support, and if your skin has enough elasticity to handle larger implants without complications.
Why Go Bigger? Understanding Your Goals and Timing
Aesthetic preferences can evolve, and what felt right during your initial breast augmentation may no longer align with your current desires. For many women in Scottsdale and Phoenix, the decision to undergo a breast augmentation revision to go bigger stems from various personal and physical reasons. Our goal is to achieve fantastic, long-lasting results that are proportionally balanced with your body. If you’re exploring your options, you can find more information here: More info about Breast Augmentation.
Common Reasons for Wanting Larger Implants
Many women choose to go bigger during a revision for common and deeply personal reasons:
- Initial Choice Too Conservative: It’s common to be cautious with the first implant size, and many patients later realize they would prefer more volume.
- Underwhelmed Post-Swelling: Swelling after your first augmentation can make breasts appear larger. Once it subsides and implants settle, some women feel underwhelmed and miss that initial fullness.
- Desire for More Projection: Some women seek increased projection for a more dramatic silhouette or better cleavage, which may involve a different implant profile.
- Achieving Better Body Proportions: As bodies change, larger breasts may be desired to better complement your overall frame, creating a more harmonious appearance.
- Restoring Volume Lost Over Time: Aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations can reduce breast volume. A revision can restore a fuller, more youthful contour.
When Is the Right Time for a Second Augmentation?
Timing is crucial when considering a breast augmentation revision to go bigger. We advise patience to ensure the best outcome and minimize complications.
- Waiting Period: We recommend waiting at least six months, and ideally up to a year, after your initial surgery. This allows for:
- Full Healing: Your body needs time to recover completely.
- Implant Settling: Implants need time to “drop and fluff” into their final position, so the final size and shape can be accurately assessed.
- Emotional Adjustment: It’s normal to need time to adjust to your new body. This period helps clarify if you truly desire a change.
- Stable Body Weight: Maintaining a stable weight is important, as significant fluctuations can alter breast appearance and affect the results of a revision.
Rushing into a revision can lead to dissatisfaction. Waiting ensures your decision is well-considered and based on fully healed results. To explore what type of breast surgery might be right for you, visit: More info about what type of breast surgery you might need.
Planning Your Breast Augmentation Revision to Go Bigger
Careful planning is the cornerstone of a successful breast augmentation revision to go bigger. This stage involves understanding your desires, assessing your anatomy, and creating a surgical plan to achieve your aesthetic goals. Our artistic approach ensures your new implants will be proportionally balanced with your body.
Determining Your New Implant Size
Choosing the right implant size is about finding a size that harmonizes with your body, meets your goals, and can be safely supported by your tissues.
- Implant Sizers: During your consultation, you can try on external implant sizers under a sports bra to visualize how different sizes will look and feel.
- CCs vs. Cup Size: Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not cup sizes. A desired cup size can be a helpful starting point, but CCs provide a more precise measurement.
- As a guideline, every 150-200cc increase equals approximately 1 to 1.5 cup sizes. This is an estimate, as it depends on your body type.
- Here’s a general approximation:
| CC Increase (approx.) | Cup Size Change (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 150-200cc | 1 to 1.5 cup sizes |
| 300-400cc | 2 to 3 cup sizes |
| 500-600cc | 3.5 to 4.5 cup sizes |
- Body Frame Analysis: We will assess your chest width, height, and proportions to determine the maximum safe implant size your body can support.
- Skin Elasticity: Your skin’s quality is vital. While skin may have stretched from the original implant, if it’s too thin or lacks elasticity, going too large could lead to complications like rippling.
- Bringing Inspiration Photos: We encourage bringing photos of breast sizes and shapes you admire to help us understand your aesthetic preferences.
To learn more about your options, visit: More info about Breast Augmentation Options.
The Role of Implant Shape and Profile
When going bigger, it’s not just about volume (cc’s) but also the implant’s shape and profile, which influence projection and fullness.
- Beyond Volume: Dissatisfaction can stem from a lack of upper pole fullness, projection, or a specific shape.
- High Profile Implants: Implants come in various profiles (low, moderate, high, etc.). A higher profile implant projects further from the chest. This can create more noticeable projection or cleavage without a drastic increase in overall volume.
- Upper Pole Fullness: If you desire more fullness at the top of your breasts, a different implant shape (like a round implant) or a higher profile can help achieve this.
- Achieving a Specific Look: We’ll discuss implant shape (round vs. anatomical) and profile to select implants that align with your vision. For more details on silicone implants, check out: More info about Silicone Implants.
Your Consultation for a Breast Augmentation Revision to Go Bigger
Your consultation is the most critical step. It’s your opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations.
During your consultation, we will:
- Discuss Your Goals: We’ll listen to what you hope to achieve, what you dislike about your current implants, and your desired size and shape.
- Review Initial Surgery Details: We’ll ask about your previous augmentation, including implant type, size, and placement. Bringing your original surgical report is helpful.
- Medical History: We’ll review your complete medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors like smoking.
- Assess Current Implants: A physical exam will assess your current implants, breast tissue, and skin to determine what your body can safely support.
- Choose Implant Type: We’ll discuss the pros and cons of saline versus silicone implants for your revision. Learn more here: Saline vs. Silicone.
- Discuss Risks: We will explain all potential risks and complications to ensure you can make an informed decision.
- View Before-and-After Photos: We’ll show you photos of similar revision procedures to help you visualize potential outcomes. Explore our gallery: before-and-after photos.
The Surgical Process: From Techniques to Recovery
After finalizing your plan for a breast augmentation revision to go bigger, the next step is the surgery. This is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, lasting two to four hours depending on the complexity.
For a general understanding of the surgical journey, you can refer to: More info about what to expect from a plastic surgeon.
Surgical Techniques for a Breast Augmentation Revision to Go Bigger
The techniques for a breast augmentation revision to go bigger are customized to your anatomy to safely accommodate larger implants.
- Re-using Original Incisions: We can often use the existing incision sites from your first augmentation, which minimizes new scarring.
- Implant Pocket Expansion: The existing implant pocket is typically expanded or adjusted to create more room for the larger implant.
- Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy: If you have capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue), the capsule may be released (capsulotomy) or removed (capsulectomy) to resolve the issue and create space.
- Implant Placement Adjustment: We may adjust the implant’s position, such as moving it from above to below the muscle (submuscular placement), to provide better coverage and a more natural contour.
- Internal Support Mesh: For very large implants or if tissue support is weak, an internal support mesh (like Strattice or Alloderm) may be used to stabilize the implants and reduce the risk of bottoming out.
Can a Breast Lift Be Combined with Implant Revision?
Yes, a breast lift (mastopexy) is commonly combined with a breast augmentation revision to go bigger, especially if you have sagging (ptosis).
- Addressing Ptosis: If skin has stretched, a larger implant alone may not provide a lifted look and could worsen sagging. A breast lift removes excess skin and repositions the nipple for a more youthful contour.
- Creating a Youthful Contour: Combining a lift with larger implants addresses both volume and position, creating a fuller, firmer, and better-shaped breast.
- Combined Procedure Benefits: Performing both procedures at once means a single recovery period and a comprehensive result.
For more information, visit: More info about Breast Augmentation with Lift and More info about Breast Lifts.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a breast augmentation revision to go bigger is often reported as easier than the initial surgery because the tissues have already been stretched.
- Recovery Timeline:
- Initial Discomfort: Expect some manageable discomfort, swelling, and bruising for the first few weeks.
- Light Activities: Most patients return to light activities and non-strenuous work within a week.
- Strenuous Activities: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.
- Full Recovery: While you may feel “bikini-ready” in a few weeks, complete healing and implant settling can take several months.
- Post-Op Care: You will be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the implants. We will provide clear instructions for pain management and may suggest Arnica Montana to help with bruising. Information on Arnica Montana for bruising.
Following our post-operative guidelines is key to a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome.
Understanding the Risks and Ensuring a Safe Outcome
While a breast augmentation revision to go bigger is a rewarding procedure, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Patient safety and informed consent are our top priorities, and we will discuss all factors in detail during your consultation.
For a broader overview of breast revision surgery, please visit: More info about Breast Revision Surgery.
Potential Risks of Going Bigger
Increasing implant size can heighten certain risks:
- Capsular Contracture: The scar tissue capsule around the implant tightens, causing firmness, pain, or a distorted shape. The risk can increase when the existing capsule is manipulated.
- Implant Malposition: The implant shifts from its ideal position, leading to an unnatural look. This is more common with larger implants if the pocket is not perfectly sized or supported.
- Asymmetry: New or worsened asymmetry can occur if the breasts heal or settle differently.
- Bottoming Out: The implant drops too low, making the nipple appear too high. Larger implants exert more downward pull, increasing this risk.
- Rippling: Visible implant wrinkles may be more noticeable with larger implants, especially in patients with thin skin.
- Stretched Skin: Significantly larger implants can over-stretch the skin, leading to a less natural look or premature sagging.
- Sensation Changes: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur.
- BIA-ALCL: A rare lymphoma (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) has been linked to textured breast implants. We will discuss this rare risk with you.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon for Your Revision
Selecting the right surgeon for your breast augmentation revision to go bigger is the most critical decision. This complex procedure requires specialized skill and an artistic eye.
- Board-Certification: Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has met rigorous standards of training and ethics.
- Revision Surgery Experience: Look for a surgeon with experience in breast revision surgery, which is more challenging than primary augmentation.
- Artistic Approach: Our goal is not just to increase size, but to create a proportionally balanced, natural, and aesthetically pleasing result.
- Patient Reviews: Review testimonials and before-and-after photos to gain insight into a surgeon’s results and patient satisfaction.
At Marc Malek MD, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for our patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix. To understand our approach, please visit: More info about choosing Dr. Malek and Meet Dr. Malek.
Frequently Asked Questions about Going Bigger
Here, we address common questions about breast augmentation revision to go bigger.
How much bigger can I realistically go in a revision?
How much larger you can go depends on several anatomical factors:
- Anatomical Limits: Your chest width and the base width of your natural breast tissue limit the implant size. An implant that is too wide for your frame will look unnatural.
- Skin Quality and Elasticity: Your skin’s ability to stretch is paramount. If your skin is thin or lacks elasticity, going significantly larger increases the risk of rippling or premature sagging.
- Tissue Health: The amount and health of your existing breast tissue affect how much additional volume can be supported.
- Surgeon’s Assessment: During your consultation, we will assess these factors to determine the maximum safe and aesthetically pleasing implant size for your body. Many patients can realistically go one to two cup sizes larger, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Is recovery from a revision to go bigger more painful than the first surgery?
Many patients report that recovery from a breast augmentation revision to go bigger is less painful than their initial surgery.
- Existing Implant Pocket: The primary reason is that the implant pocket already exists, meaning less tissue disruption is required. The tissues are already stretched and accustomed to an implant.
- Less Trauma: Working within an established space typically translates to less post-operative pain and a quicker initial recovery.
- Following Instructions: Adhering to post-operative care instructions is essential for a comfortable and smooth recovery.
Will insurance cover my breast implant revision?
Whether insurance covers your revision depends on the reason for the surgery.
- Cosmetic Revisions: If the revision is for purely aesthetic reasons, such as desiring a larger size, it is considered cosmetic and is not covered by health insurance.
- Medically Necessary Revisions: Insurance may provide coverage if the revision is medically necessary. This includes cases of a ruptured implant or severe capsular contracture (Baker Grade III or IV) that causes pain or deformity.
- Financing Options: For cosmetic procedures, we offer various financing options to help make your revision more accessible. We can discuss costs and payment plans during your consultation.
Conclusion
Considering a breast augmentation revision to go bigger is a journey of self-findy and aesthetic refinement. We’ve explored the common reasons why women in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and throughout Arizona choose this path, from conservative initial choices to the desire for improved proportions after life’s changes. We’ve also highlighted the critical steps involved, from comprehensive planning and understanding implant sizing and shape, to navigating the surgical techniques and recovery process.
The importance of choosing the right surgeon cannot be overstated. With Dr. Malek, you benefit from a personal and artistic approach, focusing on your comfort, convenience, and delivering proportionally balanced, long-lasting results. We are dedicated to guiding you through this process with expertise and care.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards achieving the breast size and shape you truly desire, we invite you to connect with us. Let us help you realize your aesthetic goals safely and beautifully.