Why do my breast implants look so small?

My breast implants look smaller than I expected

After months of waiting for your surgery date and visualising what your new breasts will look like, it is not uncommon to feel like your breast implants are too big or too small, especially in those first few days post-op. It is important for patients to remember that the recovery period for a breast augmentation is usually up to 6 weeks and the healing process is a marathon not a sprint.

Initially breast implants can sit high on the chest wall and the breasts can appear swollen and sometimes slightly pointy. However, over time as the implant begins to settle and the breast tissue heals the ‘drop and fluff’ process takes place, creating a full rounded shape.

How long does it take for breast implants to settle?

Patience is key, every patient is different, and some heal quicker than others, so try not to compare yourself. MYA recommend that breast implants can take between 6-8 weeks to settle and drop and fluff but it can take up to a year for scars to fully fade and for patients to see the final result. This is due to a number of factors such as, swelling, implant movement and tissue contraction.

It is important for patients to remember that their breasts are sisters not twins, and that one breast may heal faster than the other!

What is boob greed?

Many patients talk about experiencing ‘boob greed’ following a breast augmentation. This relates to a period of extreme emotion following breast surgery, where patients wish their breasts were bigger and that they had chosen bigger implants. Boob greed usually only lasts a few days or weeks and we believe this is due to a mixture of excitement and anticipation in the run up to surgery and the psychological cycle patients experience after their procedure.

In the first few days and weeks after your operation, your body is repairing itself. The physical and emotional challenges associated with recovery from surgery may affect the way that the brain is working. It is important that you have support at home from your family and friends after your operation. If you experience any confusion or you are feeling emotional following your operation it is important that you speak with your MYA clinical team.

Can you predict the final breast size after implants?

It is not possible for surgeons to guarantee what bra/cup size a patient will achieve following a breast enlargement. The MYA surgeon will discuss the patient’s desired bra/cup size and recommend a range of implant sizes to achieve their desired outcome. The surgeon will determine which implant to use during the operation dependent on the patient’s chest frame and dimensional measurements. For a more detailed insight into breast implant sizes, take a look at our breast implant size guide.

Do I have unrealistic expectations of cosmetic surgery?

Whilst the majority of patients are pleased with the results of their procedure, some patients may feel dissatisfied. It is important that patients match their personal expectations with their surgeon’s recommendations as to what is achievable. If a patient’s expectations are unrealistic, the surgery they request may not be right for them.

Our expert MYA surgeons will make recommendations based on your desired outcome and your physical requirements. It is important to remember that some desired outcomes are unattainable. For example, if you are a petite size 6, looking to achieve a GG bra size, this is unlikely to be achievable, due to your physical makeup.

For more information relating to breast augmentations or any other cosmetic surgery procedure available with MYA, head over to the MYA forum to speak to likeminded patients and read articles covering a wide range of topics.