Is 365cc or 385cc HP too small of an implant for my BWD (12.7) to achieve the look of my wish picture? (Photo)

Question

My BWD is 12.7, I’m 5’5” and a fit 115lbs. I want to achieve the look of my wish picture. One dr suggested Natrelle Inspira soft touch 365 HP. Another Dr suggested the same implant but 385cc. But the diameter of those implants are 12 and 12.25. Thoughts?!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. 
 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 are several steps taken to select a specific size/profile breast implant for a specific patient. These steps will vary from one practice to another.  I prefer to have a wide selection of implants (all profiles) available in the operating room. I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the breast implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. 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. 
Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
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.
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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means 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, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
In your case, my best advice: more communication. It will 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.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The difference in the implants you mention is negligible. After I discuss my patient's goals and measure them, we look at pictures of women with similar measurements with different size breast implants. My patients tell me that this process gives them a very good idea of what to expect.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Flat2Fab13,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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Since people come in all shapes and sizes, I don't think anyone can simply plug numbers such as height and weight into a chart and arrive at the proper implant volume to use.  Physician experience plays a big role in this as well.  You have seen two doctors and they are, essentially, twenty cc's (the equivalent of four teaspoons) apart.  The difference in diameter is .25 mm which is nothing.  I don't think you can go wrong with either doctor based on your information.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  365 and 385cc are very close in size.  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.  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

Is 365cc or 385cc HP too small of an implant for my BWD (12.7) to achieve the look of my wish picture? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant size

Answer: Breast implant size

Answer: Breast augmentation, 365-385cc

Answer: Breast augmentation, 365-385cc

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is 365cc or 385cc HP too small of an implant for my BWD (12.7) to achieve the look of my wish picture? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant size

Answer: Breast implant size

Answer: Breast augmentation, 365-385cc

Answer: Breast augmentation, 365-385cc

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.