Dr. Saber’s Blog

Can You Downsize Breast Implants? When Bigger Isn’t Better

Breast augmentation surgery has long been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. However, according to Google Trends, the number of people searching for “breast reduction surgery” has risen steadily since early 2020.

In the US and the UK, the demand for breast reduction procedures grew 6% from 2018 to 2019. Since the mid-2010s, women have been seeking breast augmentation revisions to remove implants or reduce implant size.

Women who want to replace implants with a smaller size usually do so much later in life. It’s not that they regret the large implants placed in years past; many people desire smaller-sized implants due to lifestyle changes, changes in tastes, and changes in the body due to aging.

Breast implants are not permanent products. Over time, an implant may rupture or change shape. Sometimes the tissue around the implant hardens, causing capsular contracture. The average lifespan of a breast implant used to be about 10 years. Now, due to technological improvements, it’s closer to 15 years. Many patients return in their 40s to have their implants replaced with a new, smaller implant or just have the larger ones removed. Both procedures may require a breast lift to tighten the breast envelope.

Evolution of breast implants

Breast implants were introduced over 50 years ago. Today, after many years of research and development, breast implants are the safest and most natural they have ever been.

Downsize Breast Implants

In the first half of the 20th century, there were many ill-fated attempts at breast augmentation due to unsafe materials and procedures.

Saline implants were introduced at the same time as silicone implants. Even though saline breast implants looked and felt less natural than silicone implants, they were inserted using a less invasive procedure resulting in less scar tissue. Also, they were safer in the event of a rupture.

In 1992, many women began having complications with breast implants, including leakage of silicone, infection, and capsular contracture. The widespread backlash led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to call for a voluntary moratorium on the use of silicone implants until more studies could be done to confirm their safety.

In 2006, the FDA fully re-approved silicone breast implants. The implant manufacturers introduced textured breast implants, a wider variety of implant shapes and profiles, and experimented with the thickness of the outer shells and the density of the filler material.

Currently, there are over 240 styles and 8300 models of silicone gel breast implants manufactured in the United States alone.

Even with all the options and hype, many women are now choosing to have smaller breast implants placed.

When to replace breast implants

Age is a large contributor to breast implant removal or reduction. After menopause and during pregnancy, people often gain weight. The additional weight may cause an increase in breast sagging and move implants, causing an unnatural look. Large weight fluctuations lead to changes in size, shape, texture, and asymmetry of the breasts.

Larger implants and increased weight may cause neck, shoulder, and back problems, as well as increased difficulty while exercising. These issues affect the quality of life and physical health. A decision that previously enhanced self-confidence and quality of life is now unintentionally diminishing it. But it is fixable with replacement or removal of the breast implant.

What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?

Removing implants but not replacing them (or even replacing them with a smaller implant) may result in decreased elasticity and sagging breasts. If you want to return to your natural breast size, a breast lift can be performed after implant removal.

A breast lift does exactly what it says: tightens breast tissue and lifts sagging breasts to a perkier, more youthful appearance. This procedure is also useful for correcting any asymmetry that may occur after implant removal.

Why are people downsizing breast implants?

By 2010, breast augmentation was the most popular form of plastic surgery in the US. It eclipsed liposuction with over 300,000 procedures performed that year. Ruth Holliday, a professor of gender and culture at Leeds University, attributed the popularity to shifting attitudes toward gender politics.

Downsize Breast Implants

Holliday explained that today, large fake breasts are no longer a signifier of sexual liberation or individuality.

Gemma Sharp, a clinical psychologist and senior research fellow from Australia, attributes the choice for smaller implants to the rise in popularity of a more athletic look and the ‘strong woman’ ideal.

As women move forward in life, their tastes and priorities shift. A decision a woman made in her 20s may not be the look she wants in her 40s and 50s. Women may choose different types of breast implants at different stages in their lives to meet changing aesthetic ideals as their tastes evolve.

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast revision surgery is not a routine procedure and needs to be tailored specifically to the patient’s needs, desires, and goals. Therefore, this surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained and experienced in all types of breast surgery. The surgical plan will specifically address all the issues at the time of surgery.

Whether it’s due to health concerns, reducing breast volume, and/or changing breast shape to achieve a more natural look, breast implant revision procedures should always be performed by a plastic surgeon.

Why is Dr. Saber the best choice for breast implant removal?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Patients from all walks of life have praised not only their outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to all types of appearance and health-related matters.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate area of hand surgery, as well as microsurgery.

She not only offers expertise and care in breast augmentation, but also tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, Botox, and many other popular cosmetic procedures.

To request a consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Our practice takes our patients’ safety very seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are required in our office at all times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
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    ✨ Our patient is 3 months post-op from our Tummy Tuck and Fat Transfer for her Breast Lift procedure. 

She wanted to avoid implants, so we opted in for the subtle augmentation. 
We are absolutely thrilled with her results✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

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    ✨ Our beautiful patient came in for our Otoplasty procedure. Her after photo is only 3 weeks Post-Op. We are absolutely thrilled with her results!✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

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    Happy Saturday 🫶🏼
    ✨ Our lovely patient came in for our Breast Augmentation procedure✨

She opted in for a natural look and shape, which was achieved with a 200cc Silicone gel breast implant. We are absolutely thrilled about her results! 

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
____________________________
⁠
⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
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🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com
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    ✨ Our non-binary patient who requested a significant breast reduction.
Their goal was to go from a Double D to an A cup breast. 

We are absolutely thrilled with their results✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
⁠
⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
🔸 info@saberplasticsurgery.com ⁠
🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com

#breastaugmentation #beforeandafter #beauty #cosmeticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #breastsurgery #losangeles #facelift #breastimplants  #lipinjections #botox #bbl #filler #breastlift #saline #chinlipo #liposuction #defined #consultation  #proce dure
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020