Breast Implant Size and Placement for Slim, Sporty Woman?

The use of sizers in your bra preoperatively does not accurately correlate with the size of breasts achieved with sub muscular implants. I think that it is very important that you communicate clearly with your surgeon to maximize the chances of achieving your desired breast size. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or... more

If you have tried a 150 cc implant and are happy with the appearance than you should be pleased with a 175cc implant under the muscle. see video

Almost all women who have had breast implants wish at one year that they had gone larger (at least in states other than California, where very large implants are the rule). In my experience, a 175 cc implant is hardly noticeable. 200 cc is a good choice, but 250 cc would also give you a very nice result. Always follow the advice of the surgeon you have chosen. If you don't feel comfortable with the advice, see another board certified plastic surgeon.

The right size for you really depends upon what several factors including approximate volume or cup size that you would like to get into. Of course base diameter of the breast and starting volume are just a few of the variables. 

To have a natural look, implant size and placement is very important. If you want a little breast volume and a natural look, I would recommend a subpectoral placement of a moderate profile implant. Implant size 250 to 280cc. You being very slender and sporty would make this approach and placement ideal. A full evaluation and discussion with your surgeon would be necessary in making the final decision.

This is a very common question in my office and on realself.com. Breast implant sizing is a little bit of an art, but a lot of it is truly based on measurements. You need the base width of the breast tissue, medial and lateral pinch measurements, upper pole thickness. These are all very very important in making the final decision regarding size. At that point, you will have a few options within a size range. If you are asking us the difference specifically between a 175 and a 200cc... more

Under the muscle placement is a good choice for a thin patient with les than 3cm of tissue pinch in the upper pole of the breast. However,you will need to disuss with your surgeon the level of sports that you play. In general hardcore athelete are better off being above the muscle. When it comes to size it is important to have all your measerements. 175cc Seems to be a very small implant. Try them on first to see if this is what you have in mind. All the best!

Dear Katie This is a double edged sword. I would recommend going under the muscle with silicone implants. I think you are too thin for over unless you are a professional athelete. and the small amount of muscle would hinder your performance. As far as size goes you need to take several things into consideration - amount of breast tissue and skin, skin laxity, base diameter of the breast any drooping, etc. All these factors may affect what size implant to use. Also knowing your height and... more

If you lift weights, placing the implants underneath the muscle may cause the implants to move every time you workout your chest muscles. Placing the implants under the skin will avoid this, but you may see the outline of the implants. Either way, it looks like you're a great candidate for implants. Judging by your photo, 200-250cc will give you good volume enhancement without looking too big. Good luck!

Hi! 1) I think you will find the BREAST AUGMENTATION page on my web site useful. 2) 200 cc's is a good guess, but the point is not to guess. Your surgeon can put different disposable implant SIZERS in your breasts during surgery to see exactly what size looks most natural on you. Then .we discard the sizers, and open the correct permanent implants from our inventory. 3) Under the muscle is probably good for you, but cannot be sure without detailed exam.

Katie: Based on your picture and desires, I think you have very realistic goals for achieving a good result from breast augmentation surgery. Factors to be considered are 1) amount of breast tissue and elasticity of your skin 2) diameter of your breast 3) breast size you would like to achieve. I belive that placing silicone implants below the muscle will achieve a very natural look for you. Your desire to be smaller, and proportional (not to large) to your body size, will also increase... more

Katie, By your photo you are a thin woman so I agree with placement in the submuscular position. I have all of my patients actually size with the implants by trying them on in a sports bra once the appropriate dimensional implant is chosen. I tell patients that the less breast tissue you have, the better the idea of what to expect is seen in your sizing. The difference between 200 and 175cc is nominal and you most likely would not appreciate a difference between the 2 (certainly not enough... more

It sounds like you surgeon is giving you good advice. You are not going too large for your body and seem to have realistic expectations. To get a simple estimation of results. Just put a 175 cc implant in your bra on one side and 200 cc implant on the other other side and see what you think. It won't give exact representations, but will give you an idea of what to expect. Good luck with your surgery.