To Exchange To Smaller Breast Implants What Size Should I Go Down To?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have breast implants placed in 2008 but I want to replace them and go smaller. Right now I have Mentor smooth round gel breast implants that are 500 each. I am a full D cup size. I prefer to be a C. I am 5'4” and weigh 127 lbs. I really don't know how the cc's translate to actual size. I imagine 350 to 375 each would be better though. I explained at the time of my surgery that I thought they were too big but the doctor encouraged me to wait. I've waited and still feel they are too big and do not want to return to the same surgeon.

A: When considering changing breast implant size, it is important to look at volumetric or percentage changes. As a general rule to drop a full cup size, one should drop volume by at least 30% or more. Thus having 500cc implants, your perception of changing volume down to 350cc is spot on. This represents a change of 150cc or 30% in volume. This will make a perceptible change in breast size. It will not decrease the width of the breasts much but will decrease projection. The good news about replacing existing breast implants is that it is a lot easier than the first time. With an existing pocket and the muscle already elevated, the postoperative pain and recovery is minimal…a far cry from the first surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana