Breast Implants Q&A

80%

WORTH IT RATING

1,009 Reviews

Ask a Question

View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,932 people and 831 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Making Space for Implants Larger Than Implant Size a Standard Technique?

asked 2 years ago by 5514anon in Chicago
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 738 times
Tags: age 35-44, 090-109 lbs, 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in, 250-299cc, A cup

I am 38, 5'1", 96lbs. with approx. 30A bra size. The physician I am considering (CV a mile long and who is VERY well recognized) likes to make the cavity for the breast implant larger than the implant itself to allow for more natural movement. Is this common practice? Concerns with this technique? He plans on going with saline submuscular. He said 250-300cc, filling to about 275cc, which seems a bit on the small side to me to get to a mid-C cup. I was thinking more 300-325cc, but does my narrow frame limit the size?

15 answers to Making Space for Implants Larger Than Implant Size a Standard Technique?

Implant choices

Choosing the right implant for you is a lengthy discussion and exam performed by your surgeon. An agreement and rough size range should be discussed with your surgeon. If you want to go bigger discuss it with him.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Making Space for Implants Larger Than Implant Size a Standard Technique?

While I make the implant larger enough to accomodate the implant, i am reluctant to make the pocket any larger especially laterally to avoid the implants falling to the outside.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Don't micromanage your surgery...

Hi there- It is not in your best interests to get too involved in the details of your surgeon's preferred technique... Find a surgeon you like and feel you can trust, and then get out of his or her way and let them "do their thing".... Your chances of achieving an outstanding outcome will be much higher. Conversely, I can tell you that the MOST unhappy patients I meet are those who come to me for correction of funny looking breasts after they had another surgeon twisted more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

You might have to reduce your cup size aspirations to achieve a natural result

Absolutely, the cavity for the implant must be made somewhat larger then the base diameter of the implant itself. An implant that fits tightly within this cavity would have the same effect as a scar tissue contracture around the implant. Like this complication of contracture, the tightly fitting implant will feel to firm because it has no room to expand when pressure is applied to the breast. While a undersized cavity is problem one made to large can also be problematic. If the... more

David A. Ross, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Pocket Size for Breast Implants

First let me comment on the implant size. He's right! For a woman of your size and small frame the implants and fill volume will put you at a "full C." Next, I don't agree with making the pocket bigger than is necessary. You don't want the implants moving around in the pocket. This can allow them to fall to the sides when laying down; although when standing they might be fine. The tissues stretch with time and a natural look will be... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

It is alway about size

It sound like everything you have described is very reasonable. Concerning the size you must sit down and have a very frank discussion with your plastic surgeon about your size! Voice your desires and listen to his reasoning for his implant choice. At some point in your decision making process you will have to decide if you trust his experience and opinion. If you do then move forward. Good luck Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Choice of a plastic surgeon

I completely agree with Dr. Aldea. You need to be confident in yor choice of surgeon and ultimately let them do what they do best. You wouldn't try to tell a pilot how to fly the jet or a top chef how to cook your meal... With respect to the pocket it does need to start out slightly larger than the implant for the most natural look and feel. From your body though, you would be advised by most to have gel implants because you will be pretty aware of wrinkles and ripples with saline. more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants should fit the pocket hand-in-glove

We believe in breast augmentation with a saline or a silicone gel implant, the best results are seen when there is a marriage between the implant and the breast, such that they move and feel as one. The pocket and the implant should fit one another comfortably. If the pocket is larger, the implant will tend to slip up on the chest, or as you lie back, can appear to slide to the side of the chest. We prefer a perfect fit, hand-in-glove. Others may have the idea that if the pocket is larger,... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Picking a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon...

After meeting several well chosen Plastic surgeons in consultation, most people narrow the list and pick their surgeon based on the most subjective of criteria and the feeling of comfort the surgeon gives them. After all, if they are all equally professional and well trained, have happy patients who sing their praises, nice offices and staffs, there is not much else to help you make the cut. At this point, you are in the same situation as you face whenever you make a great decision (such as... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Chicago

I generally do not make the pocket any bigger than than the implants itself. Making the pocket larger than the implant is an older way of doing the surgery. Now, we want to have things sit in the pocket just right, especially if you are so small. Overtime, the implants are going to stretch out the pocket to a degree, so I would not be worried about them moving naturally at all. If you are trying to get to a mid-C, then 275cc will not get you there. You probably... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

How to pick breast implants.

How to pick breast implants: Answer by George J. Beraka, MDManhattan Plastic Surgeon1) This is the most common type of question on RealSelf. 2) It is the surgeon's job to pick the right breast implants, not the patient's. Implant selection is really pretty technical. 3) Make sure your surgeon REALLY understands the look you want. Mentioning a cup size is not enough. Show your surgeon pictures of breasts you like. 4) Then your surgeon has to tell you if your chosen look is realistic for your... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant pocket relative to implant size

If you are talking about a smooth implant, then it is common to make the pocket a bit larger. The idea is not only to allow movement (although too much movement is not good) but to reduce the pressure of the soft tissues on the implant since the smaller the pocket, the tighter the fit, the higher the pressure, the more firm the implant will feel. If you are talking about a textured implant, then the pocket will be and should be essentially the same size since the lining of the pocket... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant pocket

Yes, the space for the implant needs to be a bit larger than the implant itself to allow it to sit flat, without any folds. The base width of your breast determines the appropriate size for your implant, so if you are narrow, your breasts will only accomodate up to a certain size of implant safely. If you still have concerns about your postoperative size, make sure you discuss this again with your surgeon prior to surgery to prevent any disappointment or confusion after surgery... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Sizes

The cavity for the breast implant needs to be slightly larger than the actual implant to allow for natural movement. Otherwise, the overlying skin would look like shrink wrap covering an apple rather than a breast. I am sure you have seen people who have had implants that are too big for their skin envelope and their implants look very fake. It sounds like your surgeon is trying to give you the most natural look. As for the size of your implants, it is impossible to give you specific... more