I am a 5'9" and 200lb - Should I get 420 cc's or 450 cc's? (photo)

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi @acopacetic, Thank you for your question! The look of implants is not just about size, but also how you want to achieve a natural result. However; it's important that you speak with your doctor about where the scar will be located? Which type of prosthesis will work best for you - and if they are certified by an international body like FDA or CE. It is important to find out if there is a national or global entity that is certain of the aging process of prostheses. In what plane is it going to be placed the prosthesis? (this define a great deal how those implants are going to look in some years ahead) It is going to be in front of the muscle, behind the muscle, behind the muscle fascia. Best wishes!

Thanks for your question! Without being able to see your breasts, this is a difficult question to answer. That being said, 30cc is basically a shot glass of fluid so it won't be a huge difference between the two. I usually advise patients to air on the side of bigger. Good luck!

After 3 children and breastfeeding, you have sagging. You are focusing on implants when you should be focusing on a breast lift. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Good morning,
I wouldn't be able to determine that based on a clothed photo from a weird angle- you really would need to post a topless frontal photo. However, we would determine your implant size based on your chest measurements, reviewing photos together, and then you would try on the implant sizers here in the office.

Dear acopacetic,
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

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. You may wish to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like. Best wishes!

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and trying on both sizes so you can see what size you will be. With those sizes, you will be a D cup, not C if you are a B now.

Selecting the correct implant is an in depth process. Besides deciding volume, you must also consider type, shape, projection, and placement. The difference between the two implants you are considering is approximately 2 tablespoons of volume. I encourage you to discuss your goals with your surgeon to help you decide which is best for you. Many surgeons have sample implants you can "try on" to help you get an idea of how you may look after surgery.

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: your individual anatomy, 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. 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 sit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The cups of a 36 C/D and a 40 C/D are significantly different. Cup size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular manufacturer.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly 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