Will 310cc breast implants look larger or smaller on a person with a small frame (rather than a large frame)?

Question

On RealSelf it is hard to find someone with my dimensions, so it’s hard to estimate what size I should get. I am 5 4, 100lbs, 20 yrs old, and my boobs don’t even fill up a 32AA bra. I’m not sure what size to go to but my mom and some ladies at Victoria’s Secret say I should go to a full C. I want to be a little on the bigger side but absolutely not ginormous nor a D cup. I am considering 310cc and not sure if I should go to about 330cc.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

You have the right idea. 310 cc implants will look larger in someone with a small frame compared to someone with a larger frame. The best way to get an idea of what a certain sized implant would look like is with the Vectra 3D system. This allows you to visualize your results in your body before having surgery. Using sizers during your consultation also helps you get an idea.#StayBeautiful #RealDrWorldWide

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! In my experience of doing thousands of breast augmentation surgeries, I can tell you that you need to try on silicone sizers; they’re very accurate in giving you the correct size that you want. Furthermore, there’s no standardization of cup size in America, so different brands of bras are gonna fit different ways. And lastly, being a petite person, the 310cc Implant will look larger than if you were bigger, & 20cc more just isn’t that big of a difference (go with high profile). Best of luck to you!

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Andrea:Thanks for your question.  This is a question we get to answer quite often as Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.  The best option for you would be to set up several consults with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons and get an in person examination.  You should let your Plastic Surgeon know about all your concerns and your objective, the way you would like to look.  The actual cc will vary drastically from patient to patient.  In my practice I fit my patients wirh illusio, a Virtual Reality device that allows the patients to test all sizes, shapes and profile of Implants so they can accurately see how each implant would look like on their size/shape.  Whether you want a perkier, close cleavage, or you want a more natural look or want a more projected profile, you can actually see how the implants would look like before having the actual Breast Augmentation.I suggest you only consult with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, who ideally are FACS and are also members of ASAPS and ASPS.  Ron Soltero Md, FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonMember ASAPS, ASPS

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

You are correct that the appearance of a particular implant volume will be different depending on the existing body dimensions of the patient. I have treated small-framed patients for whom a 300 cc implant looks quite large, and other patients (such as a 6 foot tall, 175 pound woman with broad shoulders) with larger frames for whom implants of 600cc, 700cc or even larger don't look unnaturally large. Since you are 5'4" and weigh only 100 lbs, with very little breast tissue, a 310 cc implant will likely make a huge difference on your body. Ultimately, it's the responsibility of your surgeon to guide you when determining implant sizes, since you aren't really in a position to make that decision completely on your own. Good luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  It would be helpful to include pictures of your breasts.  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.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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. 
With regards to your specific questions, I would not stress over a 20 cc differential. This amounts to slightly more than a shot glass in volume. This is unlikely to make a significant difference in your result. It is important to remember that implant sizes are relative. A "large" implant will not look the same on a smaller frame as it does on a larger one.
In smaller framed individuals seeking a "natural look," conservative sizing is best. Small individuals rarely have exceedingly large breasts. Over-sizing is a hallmark of a "fake" or "augmented" look.  A higher profile implant will provide greater volume at the same BWD. There is a trade off of subtlety for gains in volume and projection. In my practice these devices are reserved for smaller framed individuals.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear andreac92,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. 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Any implant will look larger on a smaller frame. 310 cc is likely to be too large on you. It is all about proprtions and not just ccs.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Implant size is depending primarily on your breast diameter and underlying anatomy etc. Frame size is important but hard to know without picture. Best person to talk is your PS. In general when question about small difference in implant usually go for larger size. 310 to 330 is not a big difference

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, Andrea. Congratulations on your decision to undergo breast Augmentation!  It is great that you appreciate the importance of comparing similar body dimensions/frame when reviewing "wish pictures."  There is mo doubt that a specific implant will look different on one person compared to another. And there arr so many factors that impact how the breast will look and what the apparent size will be. Body frame definitely is one of those factors. In general, an implant of any given size will appear larger on a smaller frame, than on a larger frame. However, the amount and quality of the breast tissue id another strong factor -- in other words, a patient with thinner tissues and smaller volume will often have a smaller-appearing breast than a woman of similar height and weight, but with more substantial tissues. Placing the implants below the muscle and silicone implants (especially those with less "cohesiveness") will also appear smaller. Finding an implant that is proportionate to your body, and particularly to her chest and breast width, is equally important to the "size."  Cup size is a good tool to communicate (in addition to photos and actual patient-physician dialog) size -- there is a general perception of what an "A" is and what a "C" or "D," etc. is. However, the reality is the actual width of the breast (with or without an implant) relative to the chest circumference will actually determine the final cup size. A "D" on a narrow, thin frame may not actually be that large in actual appearance. Best of luck to you, and I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery! Dr. Ghafoori

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