Are 450-485 cc implants too big? I’m 5’5 and 148 lbs. (Photo)

Dear sasheeder,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

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  In order to help determine if 450-485cc is the right size for you, it would also be helpful to know your individual breast measurements.  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

In reality, you will need to have your measurements taken by your Plastic Surgeon to make sure that the implant dimensions are appropriate for you. There are several styles of implant so it is just not a volume related item. Many factors come into play. That size would make you a Full D plus. Make sure that is what you want prior to the implant placement. I hope this has helped.

Thank you for posting your photo with your question. How big you go, will ultimately depend on what results you want and on weather or not the implants will fit your frame. It is hard to evaluate without an in person evaluation but it seems like 450cc might fit. I do feel though, like there is a real possibility of it  looking too big on you. If you want huge breasts then this might be a good choice but if your are looking for a big but natural result, then this would probably be too big. Plus it could be uncomfortable for work.Please understand that without trying sizers on or an in-person evaluation I could only guess. That said if you stick to 400cc or below you will have a much more natural look for sure.Best of luck on your decision,Dr. Miguel Mota

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. 
"Too big" is, to a certain extent a relative question. As long as you have been appropriately sized (meaning the implant dimensions fit within your BWD), 450 cc may be reasonable. Based on your photos alone, I would lean smaller. Without measurements, it is difficult to offer more concrete advice. 
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Based
on your photo, you should achieve a very nice cosmetic result with a breast
augmentation.  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. 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.
Keep in mind that following
the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you
what to do based on a photo 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

The size of the implants will depends on many factors and it would be hard to give you the exact size by looking at your picture alone. Please get more than one consultations and take pictures of your desired look and size with you to the consultation. I offer 3D imaging to show my patients virtual enlargement.

Thank you for the question and picture.
 Based on your photograph, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. 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 to patients in your situation: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly too large or slightly too small?
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 fake look” 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.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with. 

It really depends on a few factors:  1) how large you would like to be, and 2) the width of your frame.  It is not always easy to tell from a photograph.  

Your best bet when you are trying to decide on implants is to try on sizers of the exact implant you are considering inside a very tight sports bra. This will give you a close idea of what you will look like. More importantly the dimensions or width of the implants need to match and fit your frame and body. If you are working with a board certified plastic surgeon with an expertise in breast augmentation he or she should be able to help you with this in their office. Good luck!  
Dean Vistnes, M.D.
Vistnes Plastic Surgery 
San Francisco Bay Area
#drdeanvistnes #breastaugmentation