Do Large Breast Implants Cause Back Pain?

By: Dr. Sean Kelishadi, M.D. FACS

9/2/2020

You might be thinking there’s no such thing as breast implants that are too big, but in reality, choosing implants that are too large can cause a variety of issues. So, how big is too big, and how do you decide on the right implant size for you? These are questions that are best answered with the assistance of a highly experienced surgeon. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi and the knowledgeable team at SSK Plastic Surgery are committed to helping Newport Beach, CA breast augmentation patients select breast implants that will fit their body comfortably and provide stunning and long-lasting results. Learn more about the potential complications of overly large breast implants here, including back pain.

What are my options for breast implants?

When it comes to getting breast implants, patients will have a number of important decisions to make. During your consultation and preoperative appointments, you and your surgeon will discuss the various options for breast implants, including silicone vs. saline, shape, texture, profile, and others. Your surgeon will also explain the different surgical approaches, including placing the implant underneath the muscle vs. on top of the muscle, the various types of incisions that can be used, and whether or not a breast lift may further enhance your results.

One of the most important selections you will make, however, is breast implant size. As part of your breast augmentation consultation in Newport Beach, Dr. Kelishadi will carefully evaluate your frame, discuss your personal goals, and help you choose a breast implant size that best fits your needs and is appropriate for your anatomy.

How big can you go with breast implants?

For some women, undergoing breast augmentation is simply a solution for restoring lost volume and achieving a more natural look after breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss. Others, however, are looking for a more dramatic size increase. This is certainly possible, but there is often a limit on how large the implants can be. Important factors to consider when selecting an appropriate breast implant size include:

  • Body type
  • Height, weight, and frame size
  • Skin elasticity
  • Skin thickness
  • Current breast size/volume
  • Lifestyle
  • Personal goals

Taking all of these factors into account, Dr. Kelishadi will recommend an implant size for you. Breast implant size is measured in volume (cc), rather than cup size. It is important to keep in mind that the same size implant may look completely different from patient to patient. For example, a woman who is 5’10” and 185 pounds may carry a 500cc implant just fine, while a more petite woman who is 5’1” and 105 pounds may be extremely uncomfortable with 500cc implants.

What are the risks of big/large breast implants?

Not only can breast implants that are too large cause physical discomfort and emotional distress, but they may even lead to complications that require surgical revision. Potential risks of choosing breast implants that are too large or heavy for your body include:

  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation
  • Poor posture
  • Discomfort with physical activity
  • Difficulty finding clothing that fits
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Implant rupture
  • Implants bottoming out
  • Implant displacement

Getting large, beautiful breasts is absolutely possible with breast augmentation, but it is crucial that patients consult a highly qualified, skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure their desired implant size is safe, practical, and appropriate.

Can breast implants cause back pain?

Breast implants that are excessively heavy or large relative to the patient’s body type often lead to a host of aches and pains as they pull down on the woman’s frame. Furthermore, the weight of the implants may cause poor posture, which further exacerbates back pain, neck pain, and muscle ache. In many cases, patients adjust their normal motions and positions with walking, lifting, exercising, and even sleeping, contributing to additional muscle strain and discomfort. Just as women with naturally large breasts seek breast reduction to relieve chronic back pain, women with extremely large implants often choose to have them replaced with smaller implants at some point.

Choose the right breast implant size for your breast augmentation in Orange County.

There is no doubt that breast augmentation can be life-changing. The vast majority of patients are overwhelmingly satisfied with their outcome and report feeling more feminine, sexy, and beautiful after the procedure. However, choosing appropriately sized breast implants is a key factor in the overall success and longevity of breast augmentation results. Whether you are just starting to consider your breast implant options or already have implants that are causing back pain, we invite you to call the friendly team at SSK Plastic Surgery today to schedule your private in-office or online consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi. We look forward to helping you achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of with perfectly sized breast implants in Newport Beach, CA.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.