Is 375CC Too Big for my Body?

Question

Hello, I went to my first consultation for a breast augmentation. I am 5'1 105 pounds and a small A cup.

	I have had one child so my breasts have that deflated look with no volume on top. I want silicone implants and want to be a C cup. My surgeon recommended Mentor HP implants due to my chest size and such.

	I stated that I wanted my breasts to still look natural and fit my frame so he recommended 375cc or 400cc implant size. Will that size be too large and make me more of a D cup?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe that about 250cc equals one cup size, so you would be adding almost 2 cup sizes to your present breast volume, which sounds about right. As far as profile, I would measure your breast base, and then use the implants which have a base diameter that will comfortably fit in that dimension. This may well be a high profile implant, but it may also be a moderate plus implant. Beware the surgeon who "always" uses a certain profile. I believe that profile should be based on anatomy, not surgeon preference.

	Based on the information provided, this sounds reasonable, but you should always trust the surgeon you choose to do your surgery. If you are not sure, get another one or two consults and further refine your wishes and surgeons' recommendations. Best wishes!

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question!
  
After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.
  
Silicone will give you fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.
  
Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.
  
During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.
  
We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Without photographs, this is hard to determine in this setting.  I would love to see you photographs.  Having said that, I also think your pre-op breast envelope plays a role in helping determine the correct size of the breasts.  The profile choice of the implant is based on the breast envelope in my opinion.  Good luck with you surgery.  

	Dr. V, South Shore Plastic Surgery

David E. Kim, MD · Answer

Natural and proportional is all in the eye of the beholder. You sound very petite. High profile implants in general will look less natural than a mid profile or a low profile implant. But he probably recommended that profile due to the how large you wanted to go. If you have doubts go on another consult but asking for advice on implant size when we can't see you isn't going to help you.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

You seem to be fairly petite based on your height and weight.  The implant size of 375-400 may be a bit too large for your frame and you may end up as a D cup. This is difficult to determine without examining you in person.  You may want to consider a slightly smaller implant which would be more appropriate on your body and will likely cause fewer complications in the future. You may want to meet with one or more plastic surgeons just to get other opinions if you are uncertain about size.

	I've been using computerized 3D imaging in my practice which is extremely helpful for selecting breast implant size.  It really takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing implants and allows patients to preview what they may look like with a certain size implant.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Much of the final &ldquo;look&rdquo; achieved after breast augmentation surgery  depends on several factors:
	1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the  preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation &ldquo;look&rdquo; will be optimal.
	2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection of the breast implant pockets are critical in producing  long-term  well-placed breast implants. I personally think that these 2 factors are more important than any others, including type (saline or silicone)  or model (low/moderate/high profile)  of implant.
	3. The type of implant used may  determine the final outcome, especially if the patient does not have significant covering breast or adipose tissue. For example, some surgeons feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue. Each patient differs in the amount of breast tissue that they have.  If a patient has enough breast tissue to cover the implant, the final result will be similar when comparing saline implants versus silicone gel implants.  If a patient has very low body fat and/or very little breast tissue, the silicone gel implants may provide a more "natural" result.
	On the other hand, saline implants have some advantages over silicone implants. Silicone implant ruptures are harder to detect. When saline implants rupture, they deflate and the results are seen almost immediately. When silicone implants rupture, the breast often looks and feels the same because the silicone gel may leak into surrounding areas of the breast without a visible difference.  Patients may need an MRI to diagnose a silicone gel rupture.   Saline implants are also less expensive than the silicone gel implants.
	Other differences involve how the breast implants are filled. Saline implants are filled after they&rsquo;re implanted, so saline implants require a smaller incision than prefilled silicone breast implants.
	On May 10, 2000, the FDA granted approval of saline-filled breast implants manufactured by Mentor Corporation and McGhan Medical. To date, all other manufacturers&rsquo; saline-filled breast implants are considered investigational. As of 2006, the FDA has approved the use of silicone gel implants manufactured by the Mentor Corporation and Allergan (formerly McGhan) for breast augmentation surgery for patients over the age of 22.
	4. The size and model of breast implant used may  make a  significant difference in the final outcome. Therefore, it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  In my practice, the use of photographs of &ldquo;goal&rdquo; pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as &ldquo;natural&rdquo; or &ldquo;C cup&rdquo; or "fake looking" 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. 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. By the way, the most common regret after this operation, is &ldquo;I wish I was bigger&rdquo;. I hope this helps.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Any implant can fill your needs, though a high profile 400cc implant is rather large. The high profile implant is the current rage if you believe in fashion. The implant is projecting and rather round, though this too may be the look for you. We hear the word 'natural' very often, yet many do not really mean it and prefer a high projecting breast whether standing or lying down. My bet is the 400cc will be a D-cup. If you do mean natural, better do more homework.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnson

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The perception of breast cup size and a natural look varies amongst patients so it is not always possible to have a good gauge as to what that means. While you have supplied no pictures or measurements, the base diameter of a 375cc high profile implant sound about right for your small chest size. Whether the breast look created from that size implant will be a C cup or more of a D cup is hard to tell and is open to interpretation. I would recommend you get a sample of that implant as well as a different size and try them on and see what you think. While none of these breast implant sizing methods are infallible, the more different methods you use the more likely you will not be surprised after surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The implants you chose seem larger for your frame and will probably not look natural. But without an exam I could not possibly tell you what would be best for you.

Is 375CC Too Big for my Body?

Answers (18)

More Mentor Breast Implants Questions

'Sloshing' Since the Day of my Surgery Last Week. How Soon Does That Go Away?

I'm 6 ft, 145 lbs, and B cup. What Size Breast Implant is Best for Me?

Breast Very Uneven After Augmentation

CUI vs Mentor - What's Better and What's the Difference Between Them?

Confused on What Size Implants to Get - 5'1, 100 Lbs

BWD 15.5 Cm. What Size Should I Go to with a Moderate Plus Silicone. I Am 5'3" and 118lb.

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS