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What Breast Implant Size is Too Wide or Too Narrow? 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting a full C Cup

asked 2 years ago by danielle1986 in Las Vegas, NV
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 3,405 times
Tags: 110-129 lbs, 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in, high profile, implant size

I am 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting to be a full C Cup after a breast augmentation, and I have a 12 cm. breast diameter. The only high profile implants that has a 12.0 cm. breast diameter is a 425cc. I feel that this implant size is too big. Can I go with a 375cc which fits a breast diameter of 11.7 cm. or can I go with a 400cc that fits a breast diameter of 11.9? My platic surgeon's nurse said the 375 or 400 would be too narrow and that I should go with a 425-475cc, but I really want a 375cc-400cc. What size cc should I go with? What size is too narrow or too wide?

15 answers to What Breast Implant Size is Too Wide or Too Narrow? 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting a full C Cup

Choosing the right breast implant size

I'm glad to hear that your surgeon is using your chest wall measurements (base width) to consider a range of implants just right for you. Volume alone is not the best way to predict your final post augmentation size. I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients: 1.Dimensional planning2.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... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Breast implant sizing

Patient anatomy is a guide to choosing an implant shape and volume. If you have a breast diameter of 12 cms, than you have many choices. Go with the volume you want and align the implant type with your dimensions.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Don't get bogged down in breast implant dimensions

I'm a little concerned that you are getting too bogged down in technicalities and numbers, rather than volume and form. I've read several of the answers above, and I have a little different perspective. My postoperative results are usually aimed toward a natural appearance that shows off your body form rather than the implants themselves. I tend to use implants that are a little narrower than your breast diameter, and I offer my patients a range of implants based on volume rather than... more

Adam David Lowenstein, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

Proper sizing of implants in primary breast augmentation

Fitting a breast implant to you rather than fitting you to a breast implant is kind of like fitting your foot to a shoe. The dimensions of your foot have to fit the shoe if it's going to fit and look right. If you choose the shoe size first and then try to make it work you may have a problem. Implants are pillow volume but they fit properly if the base width fits within the internal width of the breast. The vertical height is the same in round implants and will generally automatically fit... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Many options available for breast implant size selection

Time, weight and gravity are not on your side. Remember that the larger the implant and the weaker the surrounding support tissues the more problems you can expect over the years. A slightly more narrow implant will not make any difference with your final outcome but using a larger sized implant than desired will. Shape and base diameter are much more important than absolute implant volume. You are wise to educate yourself on the many options and use some common sense when selecting your... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a breast implant size

You will be fine with the 375 cc. It's only 3 mm smaller than your base width, and I've found it's better to be a little narrower than wider with implants. Also, Allergan's Natrelle line of implants run narrower overall than Mentor's implants, so you might consider a Natrelle implant. It would likely allow you to have a 339 cc or 371 cc implant and still be within a good range for your base width.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation and Implant Sizing

What you really need to show your plastic surgeon is what look you are going for. From there on your plastic surgeon should be the one to look over the implant sizing and decide what implant works for the look you are trying to achieve. I would start with doing the rice test, which I have posted on the journal part of my website, http://www.feplasticsurgery.com/journal/orange-county-breast-augmentation-sizing/66/. This will help determine the volume and how big you want to be. After... more

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right implant size

Hi Danielle1986 - 25-50cc makes very little difference in the size of the implants. If you're looking for projection, you may want to go with the slightly larger implants as many women wish they were bigger after undergoing an augmentation. If you're in doubt, you can fill plasic bags with varying cc's of water and place the bags in your bra to get an idea of the size that you want. Good luck!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.BaltimorePlasticSurgery.com

Plastic surgeon's job to pick breast implants.

Hi. 1) These are the most common questions, and my answer always is: Picking breast implants is a difficult technical process that a patient should not have to deal with. 2) I wrote an article for RealSelf on this topic which you can read on my profile. 3) The link below may be useful.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

There are factors to consider when choosing breast implant size

There are a number of factors in the choice of breast implant size. First you need to decide the "look" you want to achieve. This can be done by trying on implants in a sports bra and clingy top. This will give you some idea of what the various sizes look like on you. You can also look at pictures to give the plastic surgeon an idea of what you are trying to achieve. Second, with increasing size there are certain things that also increase like: visibility of the implant's... more

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right breast implants

With the number of options that we have today (versus years past), we can now make every effort to make an implant fit you -- NOT making you fit the implant. However, there are certain anatomic restrictions that must be respected. Most importantly is the measured width of your breast, commonly termed "base width." Once this is determined, a range of possible implants can be successfully used, but frequently a compromise must be made regarding the width versus volume -- meaning the... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

I suggest 375 cc Breast Implants

I personally feel that an implant which is wider than your breast is much more problematic than an implant which is smaller than your breast diameter. I think that you will be pleased with the result that you obtain from a 375cc implant. There is not a great deal of volume difference between 375cc and 400cc. If you felt that 425cc was too large during your sizing visit, I again suggest a 375cc implant. I feel this will give you the result that you seek.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the implant size.

In addition to my colleagues comments, It seems as if you are focusing on the high profile implants only. If you consider the moderate plus implants, you can achieve a 12 cm fill with a lower volume implant, if that is your preference. Before sheduling surgery, you should feel comfortable with your choice of implant size.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Choosing styles of breast implants

As Dr. Aldea has said, you will have the fewest complications if you use smaller rather than larger implants. Unless you definitely want the "look" of a high profile implant, you could certainly use a moderate (most natural) or moderate plus (slightly fuller in the upper pole than natural) and easily use the full 12 cm width without looking too big. Unless you use the best width for your body, you will run the risk of having too much space in the middle.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

How to Choose THE BEST breast implant

A 12cm breast diameter will cover and allow you a wide choice of breast implants. Within this wide range, instead of picking the biggest implant I would STRONGLY encourage you to pick the smallest implant you think you may be happy with. The bigger the implant, the heavier it will be and the more it will cause breast distortion, thinning and droopiness with time. The best way to quasi-visualize each implant is to place it in a non padded bra worn under a favorite sweater or blouse. ... more