A Commentary by Founder Elizabeth Vivenzio…
Both patients and physicians need awareness and education that, “Bigger is NOT Better.” Breast Healing’s SIZE MATTERS Awareness Campaign encourages the discussion of implant size decisions during breast reconstruction. The contention of the SIZE MATTERS message is that the larger the implant, the greater the risk of post-mastectomy pain, discomfort and other complications from the distorted biomechanics of the pectoral and surrounding muscles.
Surgeons Can Exacerbate this Situation
Women look to their surgeons for guidance when it comes to size. They assess the size of the circumference of the woman’s chest, size of her frame, and weight. Unfortunately for larger, heavier women, they sometimes encourage larger implants than the muscles can accommodate because they have an optimal goal of making a woman appear more symmetrical with their hips or stomachs.
Surgeons do not gain a perspective on implant pain because they often do not see patients long-term after their reconstructions. It is my contention that it is a disservice to women to assume that they need larger implants to be content with their reconstructions. Many a large woman would be happy with small, rounded A-Cup breasts if the alternative was pain with a larger size. It is a shame that we are misinformed about this risk, and it leads to women seeking larger sizes themselves.
Without full disclosure about pain complications that can occur with distorted biomechanics of the area muscles, some women of all shapes and sizes opt for going bigger. I have heard and read statements from women who say things like:
“If I have to have a mastectomy and get reconstruction, then I want bigger boobs.”
“I was going to go for a B, but my husband really wants a C.”
“Since I have been small-breasted all my life, now is the time for me to finally get my big boobs.”
I observed a woman on a private Facebook page flaunt her double D’s on a small frame. The photo made me wince as I saw her muscular biomechanics visibly distorted and stretched to the limit. Three months later, she shared photos of the complication of the implant breaking through her skin. She lost the implant due to this complication.