Is 550cc or 650cc Better when It Comes to Longevity of Breast Implants?

Question

I have my breast augmentation surgery next month and after reading questions & answers on here i am a bit concerned about my decision on implant size. I am 5'5, 160lbs and currently a 36A. During consultation i choose 550cc but during post op, with the system my PS used to show what 550cc would look like compared to 650cc, i choose to go with 650cc. Now hearing that it could sag sooner makes me a bit worried. PS says i have enough tissue to do 650cc, but would smaller be better long term?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  I do not think that it is possible to generalize that 100 mL larger of a breast  implant will necessarily cause earlier “sag".  As you know, there are many variables involved that determine when/if a patient will develop ptosis (sag).

	The best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery 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're 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural”  or “C 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.     
	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.
	  I hope this (and the attached link) help.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

550 cc implants and 650 cc implants are both large implants.  It is very simple, the heavier or larger the implant the more toll it will have on your breast tissue over time.  Is there a big difference between the two sizes, not much.  Ultimately it is a decision that is made by yourself and the guidance of your plastic surgeon.  The long term key is to wear a good supportive bra all the time when you are cleared by your plastic surgeon to do so.  I encourage my patients to wear a sports bra to bed and at times to wear 2 sport bras when they are exercising.  Hope that helps!!!

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

The larger the implant, the more it will sag longterm.  In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements and characteristics.  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

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Both implants would be considered large, but 650cc or 550 cc alone does not matter provided you have enough soft tissue of breast,ligaments, skin etc to hold it up. Your PS will be able to advice you on 'tissue based' choice of breast implants. Go with the look you liked during consultation.

	Hope this helps

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In general smaller implants mean less weight. Less weight usually means less sagging over the long term.

Is 550cc or 650cc Better when It Comes to Longevity of Breast Implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Size of the breast implant alone does not influence longevity

Answer: Size of the breast implant alone does not influence longevity

Answer: Smaller vs larger implants

Answer: Smaller vs larger implants

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Is 550cc or 650cc Better when It Comes to Longevity of Breast Implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Size of the breast implant alone does not influence longevity

Answer: Size of the breast implant alone does not influence longevity

Answer: Smaller vs larger implants

Answer: Smaller vs larger implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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