How Can I Pick aN Implant Size? Surgeon Wants Me to Choose.

I have 400ccs with diam.of 13.1 and proj of 4.0 now. I was a small B and now am way too big for my athletic lifestyle. I would like to go saline. My goal is to go to a full B and shape my natural breasts. I can do a small C but want.to stay in the 150-200 cc range. I want to look natural but no explant. I Think I need to o/fl to avoid rippling (correct?). how do I choose my new diameter and projection? The proj/diam is too much but I don't want it to look way separated.

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B to C cup 400-449cc implant size

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sgfit in Boston, ma

Doctor Answers (11)
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Size not the only factor

The goal of breast surgery is to produce beautiful breasts. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts because they are too large, then you wiil need to reduce the size of the implants. However, implants are just one aspect of making a beautiful breast. Equally are important are the shape of the breast, position on the chest wall, the position of the areolas, the cleavage, symmetry, skin tone and volume. Instead of focusing on volume, you may need to... more

Resizing breasts

Sizing is the most difficult part of breast augmentation surgery because it involves a leap of faith, ultimately, and a decision about the size at which you will be comfortable. I do not think that 150-200 cc will produce a small size, although without a photo and knowledge of your starting point, we are all conjecturing. Without evaluation in a consultation, it is impossible to say whether lowering implant size by almost 250 cc will produce rippling. To avoid excessive... more

Breast implant exchange and sizing

This is a discussion best had in person and after an exam or pictures at the very least. Having said that, you should be able to communicate and discuss your desires with your surgeon and then have him recommend what's best to achieve those goals. You mentioned a change from silicone to saline, not sure why you have decided to do this. In most patients downsizing, I newly recommend textured round base anatomical silicone implants made by Sientra to avoid droopiness due to the reduction in... more

Choosing Implants

I think you need to find another PS who is more helpful. Sounds like they want you to choose so they won't be wrong. I choose implants based upon profile and BWD. If you have a lot of breast tissue then the absolute width of the implant is not as important. I do not overfill implants as this can create more skin rippling is some patients as it adds more weight. Over filling will also give you a rounder breast and it does not sound like you want that. more

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS

6 reviews

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

Communication is the key when downsizing implants

Each surgeon will have preferrences when it comes to implant size and projection, and when downsizing it can be harder to work with 'trial sizes' as implants are already in place. The key will be good comunication with your surgeon, especially through photos to give a clear idea of the look that you want. Choosing your own implant? Seems like a tall order when you have such a limited experience and we suggest leaving it to your professional.

Implant Size? Surgeon Wants Me to Choose.

I find that downsizing an implant is the most difficult sizing decision. Patients with no implants seeking enlargement can try on implants, and I find that more useful than photos, etc. Patient with implants wanting to be larger can use raw rice in a stocking an estimate how much larger she wants to be. There is no physical aid that can help in choosing an implant when downsizing, so communication is more essential than usual. I am not sure why you want to switch to saline, especially... more

Work with your surgeon to determine implant size and type

There are certain anatomical measures that need to be considered as you know, especially base diameter, but ultimately the patient has to be comfortable with the choice of implant size. If you want the smallest size implant that still fits your base diameter, then a low-profile type would be best. Cup size is an inconsistent way to measure breasts. For thin athletic women, silicone gel usually feels more natural, especially compared to overfilled saline.

How Can I Pick aN Implant Size?

This is an all too common question. In my opinion you are paying your surgeon for his skill and experience. If he is unwilling to guide you in implant choice with all his experience, how can you be expected to pick the device? Maybe you need to see someone else for a second opinion. BTW, overfilling a saline implant does not prevent rippling.

This is a group effort

Talk to the doctor, this is a conversation and it needs to be between two people. You can go smaller and still look good.

Surgeons need to guide you through this process

I would agree with Dr. Pousti that communication is key. Some surgeons like to see photos of what you like and dislike. I like this method. While no surgeon can make you look exactly like a photo, I feel this helps. I do not feel that the patient should be picking an implant. You have never operated on someone and do not know what is involved. Despite looking at lots of photos, it would be impossible for you to properly make this decision. If the... more

Choosing Breast Implants for Revisionary Breast Surgery?

You may find that every plastic surgeon's practice varies when it comes to selection of the best breast implant size/type/profile to meet patient's goals. Generally speaking, careful communication between patient and plastic surgeon is critical in this decision-making process. In my practice, I would ask that you show me lots of pictures of breast sizes that you would like to achieve ( and some that are too big or too small). This communication with the help of pictures... more