Are 550cc Silicone Implants to Large for a 120 Pound and 5'4 Patient?

Unfortunately, you have not told us your bra size.  If you are size 32 or 34 each 100 cc of implants will correspond to 1 cup size change.  If you are size 36 or 38 each 200 cc of implant will correspond to 1 cup size change.  The best position for implants is retro-pectoral.  In someone your size, it may not even be possible to fit a 550 cc implant under your muscle.  If you try to put too large an implant under the muscle it will descend inferiorly and laterally, progressively move down your chest wall and you will be dissatisfied with the appearance.  Remember that your goal is to achieve beautiful breasts.  Beauty is determined by many factors including position of the breast on the chest wall, symmetry, skin tone, cleavage and last of all volume.  Once you go over a DD, it is very difficult to find clothes or bras that fit.

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello. Thanks for your inquiry. We actually do a measurement of the breast width and can calculate the best size as well as too large a size for a person body frame chest width .  Also best to decide based on your skin envelope and history of previous augmentation.  Good luck

Thank you for your question. Picking the proper implant size is something that creates alot of anxiety among women planning the procedure. Ideally, implants should be chosen based on more than just their volume. The base width of the implant should be matched to the width of your breast, and the projection chosen to fit your desired look and the characteristics of your breast skin. This allows the implant to be chosen on a 3 dimensional basis rather than by just volume alone. This will give more predictable and natural results. 

With that approach in mind, we can consider the original question. Depending on your chest width and overlying skin, you may be able to have a 550cc implant placed. This would be especially true if it was a higher profile implant, which would be more narrow and appear smaller but with increased projection. Ultimately, the best choice for you would be made during a consultation and the ensuing discussion.

I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:

1.Dimensional planning
2.Gel Implant Sizing system

Dimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.

Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look.  If you have decided on saline implants, then based on the gel sizer you select, we can guide you to the saline implant that achieves a similar look.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Basu
Houston, TX

In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements and characteristics.  Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria to implant selection.
Your plastic surgeon will perform several measurements of your chest wall and breast anatomy and determine a range of implants that both fit your chest wall and reach your desired goals.
The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor.   The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant.   It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you.
I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.
Dr. Gill