450cc High Profile Recommended For A 5'8 140LB Athletic Frame with AA Cup To Be A D Cup? (photo)

I think that 400 cc implants should be about right for a D cup and is what I would recommend.  However, be aware that cup size is often subjective and different surgeons may recommend different sizes.  Look at their photos and ask what size implants were used in the patients whose photos you like.

Hello,

It is definitely not recommended that you get 450 cc HP implants. Of course, a true face to face physical exam should be performed.  However, based on your stated measurements and your photo, I can tell you that at the very least, you will have visible rippling due to the size and profile of the implant causing severe stretching of your already thin tissues.  Although I am less certain, implant malposition and/or double bubble deformity of the lower pole might occur too.

The problem is a misconception on your part, fostered by other women and 'cosmetic surgeons', that you can pick any size you want, like your decision to go from an A to a D. Unfortunately, making such a size change is unreasonable, and likely to cause problems that will lead to re-operation and regret.

Choice of implant should not be made by the patient.  A patient may have, and should express her goals, but they should only be factored into implant selection after determining the ideal implant size based on anatomic measurements made during the consultation.  A thorough understanding that nationally there is a 25% risk of complications leading to reaoperation in 3 years, almost entirely due to improper implant selection, is critical before allowing the patient to make her implant request.  Choosing the appropriate implant size will decrease the risk of complications and re-operation to 2.5%.

I recommend you have a consultation with Dr. Grant Fairbanks in Salt Lake City. He will discuss with you these things in more detail, allowing you to make more informed decisions.

Best of luck!

Size preference is so individualized I don't think that any plastic surgeon can tell you what size you will be happy in without extensive sizing in advance.  Measurements and trying on implants can only get you so far.  If you are a visual person, try a 3D Vectra analysis to "see" what 450 cc will do on your frame.  I have been using it for 2 years and am amazed everyday how valuable it is in communication and sizing.

You have very little breast tissue and a small frame. Your breast width is the most important to determine the ideal implant. Because of your frame size you may require a high profile or extra high profile implant. A cup size is aproximately 150-200 cc's. I like to use the Vectra 3D system with my patients so that they can visualize their results with different implants before the actual surgery.

Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria to implant selection.

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