Small breast implants seem to be the “IN” thing these days. The Inflated breast with deep cleavage that was so popular with women in the 1990’s has given way to a more athletic look. It is not surprising that when the celebrities want to “boost their chests” they’re now opting for the so-called “mini boob jobs”. A mini boob job is really a breast augmentation with small breast implants that take them up a cup size or two at most so that the breasts appear a little fuller or rounder.
There are several stars that appear to have taken this route over the last few years. For example, although they have not said so, Taylor Swift, Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba appear to have followed the trend for small breast implants to boost their bra size. Similarly, more women are now opting for small, natural looking implants that will give them more fullness and leave people guessing as to whether they’ve had breast augmentation surgery.
Over the last few years, women have been asking for a far more conservative look. They are realizing that big breasts can make them look heavier than they are. Some other complaints I have heard from women who have large breast implants are that they must wear two sports bras to work out and that going braless is problematic. The technical problem with large breast implants is that they can cause a lot of “side boob” and that they can stretch the skin of the breast so that the breast will sag more with time. Larger breast implants are more prone to rippling than smaller breast implants.
Conversely, small breast implants can have many advantages including:
- A natural shape. Smaller implants will not have a rounded or “ball on the chest” appearance. This is especially true if a small tear drop shaped breast implant is chosen that has a diameter or base that is the right size for the woman’s chest.
- A more natural feel. Smaller breast implants will not put pressure on the overlying breast tissue that thins the tissue out. This means that more of the natural breast tissue will be present to mask the feel of the small breast implant. Today, with the increased use of gummy bear breast implants that are more stiff or firm, this is even more important.
- The incisions for placement of the small breast implant is smaller.
- The amount of work in creating a pocket for a small breast implant is less so there will be fewer complications from the surgery.
- There is less possibility of long term problems like back and shoulder pain as well as drooping or sagging of the breast under the weight of a large breast implant.
Why Would Anyone Get a Small Breast Implant?
This is a question that some women who want a large breast might ask but there are several women who do not want to be big but want something.
There are women who have lost their breast volume after having children and they would like to have their breasts back.
There are also women, who had breasts when they weighed more but after losing weight find that they did not have much breast tissue left,z and would like to replace what was lost with a small breast implants.
Breast Implant Size Matters
There is the other side of small breast implants as well. Many women who have a breast augmentation will say months after their surgery that they wish they had gone bigger. It is precisely for this reason that if you are considering a breast augmentation with small breast implants or otherwise it is wise to consider a few basic questions like:
- Will the size you choose affect how you work out?
- Do you want the athletic look or a full curvy look?
- What kind of clothing do you want to wear?
- What look will you want 10 or even 30 years from now? Large breasts can make you look matronly when you get older.
When you come in for a breast augmentation consultation you will try on breast implants to see what size range works well for both your frame and your cosmetic goals. The size of the breast implant that you chose is a lifelong decision so it is important to get it right.
What is a Small Breast Implant?
Most breast implants placed are in the 300 cc to 500 cc range and the women who are seeking breast augmentation are generally interested in changing their bra size at least 2 cup sizes. A breast augmentation with 150 cc to 250 cc breast implants would be considered a “mini boob job” as these are very small breast implants. Usually a breast implant in the 150 cc range is as low as an implant manufacturer is willing to make silicone filled or gel implants. This is a very small breast implant. Saline breast implant can go a little smaller (down to 125 cc). This is generally because of manufacturing considerations and the fact that making anything smaller would be pointless.
Small Breast Augmentation Recovery
Many breast surgeons will say that the recovery from a small breast augmentation is easier, however if you have a rapid recovery breast augmentation or 24-hour breast augmentation, your breast augmentation recovery timeline will be very short no matter what size of breast implant you opt for.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding breast augmentation is “what to expect from after a breast augmentation”. With small or large breast implants, you should expect the next day to be able to drive, get out shopping, lift small children and even go out to dinner. You will not be healed but you will not need narcotics if you have a rapid recovery or flash recovery breast augmentation protocol. Many women want to be able to get back to the gym quickly and with this method you can be back to the gym in a couple of days. The only restriction in the first 4 weeks will be limitation of repetitive motion of your upper arms if you have textured implants like Sientra gummy bear shaped breast implants. It is thought that repetitive motion of the upper arms will prevent the implant from Velcroing to your tissue which is want we want with these implants. This means no lap swimming, elliptical machine using the upper arms and similar activities.
A Small Breast Implant Breast Augmentation Consultation
Most importantly, if you are interested in a breast augmentation with small breast implants or you just have questions, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will give you a better idea of what you need. If you come to see me, I will act as your cosmetic consultant. Together we will review your goals for your new look. I will fully educate you on your options as well as plan what you need to know before you decide about breast augmentation surgery. Knowing that every plastic surgery patient would like have less scarring, less invasiveness, and less downtime, together we will arrive at a plan that will help you achieve your cosmetic surgery goals.
My goal is to give each patient exactly what they need to look and feel their best about their appearance.
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