Glamourous Breasts with Large Breast Implants
March 14, 2023
Written By Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS
Breast augmentation with large breast implants is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size of the breasts significantly. Large breast implants, generally defined as those exceeding 500cc in volume, can create a dramatic change in the appearance of the breasts. However, it’s important to note that the size of the implants must be chosen with consideration to the patient’s body proportions and their desired outcome. The procedure typically involves making an incision in the breast tissue and placing the implant either underneath or on top of the chest muscle. Recovery time can vary but may take several weeks before patients can resume their regular activities.
While breast augmentation with large breast implants can result in a noticeable and attractive outcome, it’s important to carefully consider your motivations, potential risks, and long-term effects of the procedure before making a decision. Make sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz to get the best advice on breast augmentation with large breast implants.
What Is XL Breast Augmentation?
XL breast augmentation typically refers to a breast augmentation procedure using very large breast implants, usually those exceeding 800cc in volume. These types of implants are much larger than the typical range of breast implants, which typically range from 200cc to 800cc in volume. XL breast augmentation is generally considered a specialized procedure and is not recommended for all patients. The size of the implants used in breast augmentation surgery should be chosen based on the patient’s body proportions, their goals for the procedure, and other factors, such as the quality of their breast tissue and the condition of their chest muscles. While XL breast augmentation can create a very dramatic change in the appearance of the breasts, it may also pose increased risks and complications, such as implant malposition, rippling, bottoming out, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. It’s important for patients considering XL breast augmentation to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision.
The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. Dr. Joe will begin by making an incision in the breast tissue, usually in the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast). The incision location will depend on the patient’s anatomy, the size of the implant, and other factors. Your surgeon will then create a pocket for the implant, either above or below the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s anatomy and the desired outcome.
Once the pocket is created, Dr. Joe will insert the XL breast implant and position it within the pocket. He will then close the incision using sutures or surgical tape. The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
After the procedure, you will need to wear a compression garment or surgical bra to help support the breasts and reduce swelling. You may also be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
Pros and Cons of Extra Large Implants
Advantages of Large Implants
There are some advantages to getting very large breast implants, depending on an individual’s personal preferences and goals. Here are some of the advantages:
- Dramatic results: One of the primary benefits of getting very large breast implants is that they can provide a significant enhancement to a person’s appearance, particularly for those who desire a more dramatic or noticeable look. This can be particularly appealing for individuals who feel that smaller implants would not achieve the level of enhancement they desire.
- Improved self-confidence: For some people, larger breasts can be a source of increased self-confidence and a boost to their overall body image. Breast augmentation with very large implants may help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
- Aesthetic flexibility: Large implants can provide a wider range of aesthetic possibilities, particularly for those who are interested in achieving a more curvaceous or hourglass figure. Depending on the individual’s anatomy and implant placement, large implants can help create a more proportional or balanced appearance.
Disadvantages of Large Implants
The potential disadvantages associated with getting large breast implants that individuals should carefully consider before undergoing breast augmentation surgery are:
- Increased risk of complications: Large breast implants can increase the risk of complications such as implant displacement. These complications may require revision surgery to correct.
- Physical discomfort: Large implants can be heavy and put strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, leading to chronic pain over time. In addition, physical activities such as running or jumping may be uncomfortable or even painful for those with large implants.
- Obvious scarring: Large implants may require larger incisions, which can result in more visible scarring. While a skilled surgeon can minimize scarring as much as possible, patients should be prepared for the possibility of more noticeable scarring with larger implants.
- Limitations on clothing and activities: Large implants may limit an individual’s clothing choices and may require specialized bras or other undergarments for proper support. In addition, some physical activities such as sports or weightlifting may be more challenging or uncomfortable with large implants.
- Potential for an unnatural appearance: In some cases, very large implants may result in an appearance that looks unnatural or disproportionate. This may be a concern for those who desire a more subtle or natural-looking enhancement.
Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation with Large Implants
The ideal candidate for breast augmentation with large implants is someone who has a good overall health status, does not smoke, and has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. It’s important for patients to have adequate breast tissue to support the implants and to be able to accommodate the additional weight of the larger implants. Women who are very physically active or participate in sports may want to carefully consider the potential impact of larger implants on their mobility and comfort.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation with Large Implants
The recovery process after breast augmentation with large implants is similar to that of smaller implants, but there may be additional discomfort due to the weight of the implants. Patients will likely need to limit their physical activity for several weeks following the procedure and may need to take prescription pain medication to manage discomfort. Dr. Joe always uses the Quick Recovery® breast augmentation technique. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be necessary to monitor healing and ensure that the implants are settling properly.
After undergoing breast augmentation surgery with XL implants, it’s crucial to follow proper post-surgery care instructions to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general guidelines for post-surgery care for patients with XL breast implants:
- Rest and recovery: Following surgery, it’s important to rest as much as possible and avoid physical activities or strenuous exercise. Patients should plan to take at least one week off work and arrange for help with household tasks and childcare, if necessary.
- Medications: Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection. It’s important to take these medications as directed and to notify the surgeon of any adverse reactions.
- Compression garments: Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment or special bra to help support the breasts and reduce swelling. You should follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding wearing and caring for these garments.
- Incision care: The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the incision sites to prevent infection and promote healing. This may involve cleaning the incisions with a gentle soap and water, applying ointment or dressing, and avoiding certain activities or clothing that may irritate the incisions.
- Follow-up appointments: You should plan to attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing, address any concerns or questions, and discuss the possibility of additional treatments or revision surgery if necessary.
Scars after Breast Augmentation with XL Implants
Scarring is a common concern for anyone undergoing breast augmentation surgery, and the size and placement of the implants can affect the appearance and visibility of scars. The location and size of scars after breast augmentation with XL implants will depend on the specific surgical technique used by your surgeon. In general, larger implants may require larger incisions, which can result in more visible scarring. However, a skilled surgeon like Dr. Joe can use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and help patients achieve the best possible cosmetic results.
For scar management, Dr. Joe might recommend various scar management techniques, such as silicone gel or sheeting, massage, or laser treatments, to help reduce the visibility of scars. You should follow the surgeon’s instructions closely and avoid sun exposure or other activities that may irritate or damage the scar tissue.
While most incision scars will fade over time, they will likely be visible to some degree long-term. You should be prepared for the possibility of visible scarring and consider this when making the decision to undergo breast augmentation with XL implants.
Risks Associated with Getting Large Implants
Generally speaking, the risks of breast augmentation surgery are the same, regardless of the size of the implants. However, there may be additional risks due to the size and weight of the implants. For example, large implants can put more strain on the breast tissue and may lead to breast ptosis earlier in life. In addition, patients with large implants may experience back or neck pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Make sure to discuss these risks with Dr. Joe during the pre-operative consultation to be fully aware of what you can expect after getting large breast implants.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation with Large Breast Implants
What is the biggest size implants you can get?
The largest size of breast implants available varies depending on the manufacturer, but generally ranges from 800cc to 1200cc. However, it’s important to note that not all patients are good candidates for very large implants, and the size of the implants should be chosen based on the patient’s body proportions and desired outcome.
What are XL implants?
“XL implants” generally refers to breast implants that are larger than the typical range, typically exceeding 800cc in volume. These types of implants are not recommended for some patients as they may pose increased risks and complications.
Do bigger breast implants hurt more?
There is typically some discomfort associated with breast augmentation surgery, regardless of the size of the implants used. However, it’s possible that patients who receive very large implants may experience more discomfort during the recovery process. Pain levels can vary depending on the individual and their tolerance for pain. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the discomfort during the early days of the recovery period.
What are the risks of choosing very large breast implants?
Choosing very large breast implants can increase the risk of complications, including implant malposition, rippling, bottoming out, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. Additionally, very large implants can put a strain on the chest muscles and skin, causing discomfort, pain, and potential long-term effects on the health of the breast tissue.
Can large breast implants look natural?
The appearance of breast implants, including their size and shape, can have a significant impact on the final outcome of breast augmentation surgery. While it is possible for large breast implants to look natural, it’s important to choose the right size and shape of the implant based on the patient’s body proportions and desired outcome. Additionally, other factors such as the placement of the implant, the skill of the surgeon, and the quality of the tissue can all play a role in achieving a natural-looking result.
Further Reading about Breast Procedures with Dr. Joe
Medical References about Breast Implant Surgery
