Plastic Surgery Articles

Adjustable Implants Allow Patients to “Tweak” Breast Size

January 22, 2007 -

Most women visit their plastic surgeon with a general idea of what size implants they want - large B, small C, huge D, etc. However, one woman’s C is another’s D. Cup sizes vary and what looks good on one person’s frame may not fit so well on someone else’s.

Adjustable implants, unlike their non-adjustable counterparts, allow women to “test drive” their chosen breast size and then make slight changes post-operatively. Within the first six months after surgery, women with adjustable implants can increase or decrease their size by as much as 20 percent.

“Women get a false idea of what size C or D is because each bra manufacturer is different. You don’t really get into patients’ mind-sets until after the surgery,” said plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jeneby.

Because the breast area is swollen for a couple of months after surgery, it’s difficult for women to get a good sense of what their actual breast size will be. With adjustable implants, a woman can make changes after the swelling has subsided if she decides she’s not satisfied with the size.

Women who opt for non-adjustable implants are not afforded this same luxury. “If patients are unhappy with their size, there are no options other than redoing the surgery,” said Dr. David Watts.

How They Work

Once a woman has determined whether or not she wants to increase or decrease the size of her new breasts, she can return to her surgeon to have them “tweaked.” The procedure involves the use of a syringe to inject saline into the breasts or draw it out through a port hidden where the implant was initially inserted.

The port is removed six months after the original augmentation surgery. The procedure to remove the port is done in an outpatient procedure, which requires the administration of a local anesthetic.

“It’s a fantastic way to control your breast size postoperatively, because people do change their minds,” said Jeneby.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us today to learn more about your breast implant options from a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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