I need help choosing an implant size would 350 or 375cc be too big for me? (Photos)

Thanks for your question, & including your photos, they really help! Based upon your photos and my experience of doing thousands of breast augmentation surgeries, I’d say that you’re an excellent candidate for breast augmentation! I’d advise you to try on sizers: they really help in determining what volume that you want. I’ve found them to be invaluable in my own breast practice, & have a very low revision rate because of it. I also think 375cc range would look great on you. Best of luck to you!

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 question, it is difficult to offer definitive advice without an in-person exam. The best advice is to "love the look" not the cup. Find a look that you are happy with (which falls within your BWD). If you are seeking greater volume go up in profile. This will offer a more dramatic look with greater volume for a given breast width. I would not struggle over 25 cc as this represents a subtle difference (5 teaspoons or less than half a shot glass).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Dear rbrd72,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

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your upcoming procedure.  You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.   The difference between 350 and 375cc is very small when placed in the breast.   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.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hello RBRD. The two sizes mentioned are very similar. In Arizona, my patients tend to lean towards slightly bigger as opposed to slightly smaller. The difference between the two options is only the volume found in two spoonfuls of water. I suggest you discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon for better guidance.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO  

The implants will look a bit smaller, particularly in the submuscular position.  There is no rule here, but you may want to add about 10% to the size you select from the sizers.  The average implant volume placed in the US is 350cc; these may add one pound to each breast that you may notice when running.  My patients bring a few garments with them to the exam so that they can actually see how the sizers look under a t-shirt, bathing suit, blouse, and clothes they wear most often. I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

When women start to choose breast sizes they often are confused with the volume in CCs.  You should start to think in cup sizes.  So if you are a 34A it will take 175 cc to increase your breast one cup size.  So if you do multiples of 175 cc a two cup increase is 350 cc.  So 375 cc is 2.14 cup sizes bigger.  So if you want to be C-D that would be 2.5 cup sizes bigger.  So 2.5 x 175 is around 437 cc so if you chose a 440 cc implant you should be between a C to a D.  I hope this formula helps.  Dr. Chu

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast
augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your
individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a thorough
discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of
the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just
about the number of cc’s. or the type or shape of implant. The thickness of
your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection,
as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant.
Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight
t-shirt, bra, or bathing suit at a preoperative visit will help you and your
surgeon choose the optimal implant.There is very little difference in the appearance between a 350 cc and 375 cc implant once it is placed into the breast.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on
this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining
you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a
full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative
procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic
surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust
and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in
person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California
 
 

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.  There seems to be is a moderate amount of breast asymmetry and the use of different sizes of breast implants may help to improve overall breast symmetry.   

My best advice: more communication.

It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.One question that might be helpful for you to consider: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly too big or slightly too small after the breast augmentation procedure?

 Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work. Sometimes, it is necessary to seek several consultations before you feel comfortable about your choice.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "large C, small D cup” etc may mean different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process. The use of in bra sizers may also be helpful. In other words, use as many “visual aids” as possible during the communication process. I encourage patients to meet with me as my times as necessary, to feel comfortable that we are both on the “same page”.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.
  
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Hi darling, thank you for your question.
You look like a perfect candidate for breast augmentation. Based on your pictures, you are at a great starting point and your expectations could be filled with some good rounded implants under the muscle if you want to have a more natural look, the size of the implants may vary depending on the PS's opinion, so I'd recommend having a face to face consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your case more closely and determine which options fit best what you're looking for.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Dr. Jiménez Toribio 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.