Are 350cc Breast Implants Too Big for Slender Frame?

It’s always difficult making decisions about breast size
without performing a physical exam or seeing preoperative pictures. In
addition, it’s important to understand the patient’s aesthetic goals. Each
patient has specific anatomic findings and unique aesthetic goals regarding
size and shape of the breasts. All of these factors should be considered when
choosing the size of breast implants. Even when tremendous care is taken pre-operatively to
determine breast size, the final decision needs to be made in the operating
room by the surgeon. At this point, an assessment can be made regarding how the
patient’s breast tissue interacts with the breast implant. Occasionally
obtaining a specific size doesn’t allow the surgeon to meet the patient’s other
aesthetic goals. For this reason, locking into a specific size isn’t always a
good idea. Results are often better when a surgeon has the ability to make
adjustments in the operating room.In your case, it’s important to thoroughly discuss your
aesthetic goals with your surgeon. Make sure he has the latitude to do what’s
best for you in the operating room so he can meet your aesthetic goals. It’s
important that you have an approximate idea of the breast implant size that you’re
considering but don’t become married to an absolute number. It’s important to
remember that the difference between 325 cc and 350 cc is only two tablespoons.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photo. Size of the implants can be very personal choices that a patient makes. In many cases, patients can go from a A cup to a D cup or larger. In our practice, I begin by asking whether you are looking for more projection or perkiness and whether you mind have some of the breast tissue push outwards on the side. In addition, I ask you to try on different external sizers to give you a sense of what your breast may look like and the feel of extra volume in the breasts. In addition, I take details measurements of the breast including the base diameter of the breast. Your volume range and the breast shape preferences helps me the further guide you in your implant selection and to give you guidance on what the breast might look. I would visit with some board certified plastic surgeons in your area to discuss your options and goals in more detail.

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Try on sizers.  You will be able to determine for yourself what is right for you .  Your perception of your body and what is right for you are very personal.  Someone else with the same body dimensions might choose a different implant. 

Your height or weight? 4'11" or 5'10"? 350cc is a resaonable sized implant but there is no formaula and this decision requires a lengthy consultation taking several factors into consideration.

The difference between 350cc and 325 cc is not great. Your surgeon may have suggested these to you based on your measurements. However, volume is just one aspect of the implant. You also need to consider profile (low, moderate, moderate-plus or high) which can give different shapes with the same volume. Good luck with your surgery.

Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria with implant selection to replace an in office exam and good communication with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Your plastic surgeon will perform several measurements of your chest wall and breast anatomy and determine a range of implants that both fit your chest wall and reach your desired goals.
The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor.   The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant.   It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you.
I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.
Dr. Gill

The use of sizers in your bra  preoperatively does not accurately correlate with the size of breasts achieved with sub muscular implants. I think that it is very important that you communicate clearly with your surgeon to maximize the chances of achieving your desired breast size.

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 “C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.

I use  intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.

I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.

I hope this helps. 

A nice natural look is always the best way to go. It takes a good physical exam and discussion to nail down the size for each patient.  This may be just the right size for you, or it could be too big or too small depending on your body habitus.

Once again I'm amazed at how many women have no concept of what size they need prior to surgery. Slim and slender don't necessarily go with the swimmers body as swimmers are usually bulky in the torso. So what must be considered is your height, weight, shoulder width, waist, hip width, buttock size and age (younger women can carry larger implants).
I use 325cc implants more than any other implant. This is more due to my patient population, 5'2" and 115lbs or less, than anything else. But recently I was amazed when a patient that was 5'4" and 117lbs looked proportionate and natural with 400cc implants.
So try on the sizers with a sports bra. There is very little difference between 325 and 350cc implants.