Will 300 cc high profile with lift be too big for my frame? (Photos)

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. It is important to remember that smaller individuals rarely have exceedingly large breasts, thus for those seeking "natural," conservative sizing is best.With regards to your specific question, I would not struggle over a 50 cc differential. This is only slightly more than the volume of a shot glass and is unlikely to make a drastic difference. As long as you respect your BWD, you should have a reasonable result.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi My surgery journey 2018,

Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient.

Implant profile is one of the important considerations to make. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This is associated with several problematic consequences.

The first issue is that the patient loses width and therefore cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants.

High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the base width) but otherwise I try to avoid them.

When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.

Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.

Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.

You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question. When determining what size breast implant will work for you, several variables need to be considered by your board certified plastic surgeon.. The diameter of your breast, amount of breast skin elasticity and the amount of breast sagging you possess. These variables will determine what size breast implants will work best for you. Your plastic surgeon can help you narrow your choices however, you ultimately need to decide what size implant will give you the look you are trying to achieve. Based on the pictures you have provided, I do believe 300cc high profile implants are a reasonable choice. Discuss this size with your plastic surgeon.  Make sure you are both in agreement that this size implant will give you the result you desire.Good luck!

Breast augmentation is not an exact science.  Most patient's can have a nice result with implant's that can vary in size.  It is important for the plastic surgeon to do an analysis of your breasts and take a number of measurements to assist in the planning process.  I also use imaging software to help visualize what each patient will look like with different implant sizes.  I think you could have a nice result with both implant sizes (250 or 300 cc).  This is where you have to have confidence in your plastic surgeon to choose an implant that fits your chest wall and breast measurements.  I never commit to one specific size of implant because intra-operatively you may think that a 300 cc implant would be best but the patient's individual anatomy will dictate a slightly smaller or larger implant.  Take care, Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS