Want a very natural look, 5’6”, 130lb, 339cc recommended; too big?

Question

I have a wide torso/shoulders,wide breast pocket, but otherwise am completely flat. I am wanting a very natural look, and upon looking at other pictures thought 250-300 would be a good range for me. At my consult my PS recommended 339cc mod+ based on my measurements. This felt way bigger than what I had been considering. I’m wanting a conservative look. Would this size be too big?

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultimately the best recommendation can indeed only occurs In person with an evaluation by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, as you have done.

Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. The 339 Moderate Plus you mentioned may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame.  Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

My recommendation is to ask you surgeon to place 300 and 350 sizers into a j padded bra and try them on in front of a mirror. Also, look at your surgeon’s Before and After gallery to see if your aesthetic seem to align with his or hers. Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Abc023,
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

Chuma Chike-Obi, MD · Answer

Hi,
Hard question to answer with a frontal photo only. Lateral view would be helpful, as would information about BMI. The clinician who performs an actual physical examination, and has spoken (and listened!) to you has a lot more information than any online consultant.
Good luck!-Dr. Chike-Obi

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

You have a narrow frame and are looking for a very natural look. 250-300cc with a moderate profile will give you both the volume and natural look you desire. A moderate + is slightly more projection. Talk with your board-certified plastic surgeon about the options and look at different sizes of implants in person. Ultimately you should be happy with the size that you choose as you will be living with it. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The implant size you mentioned is a moderately conservative size.  Many surgeons have sample implants that you can "try on" to give you an idea how you may look after surgery.  I've included a video on implant selection that I hope you find helpful.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

The implant size suggested by your PS seems appropriate to achieve the natural/conservative look you desire. You seem to have very little natural breast tissue. Based on your height and weight, 339cc mod+ should give you a great result.
Best of luck!

Want a very natural look, 5’6”, 130lb, 339cc recommended; too big?

Answers (6)

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