Is 550cc silicone too big to achieve the look I am going for?

The question of implant size is confusing. Plastic surgeons have as many opinions as there are plastic surgeons. Some quote the literature, some quote their experience, but the key determinate is you. If one believes that a breast augmentation is a valid operation, then why not accept that success is based on meeting the patient's expectations. How then can a plastic surgeon deduce the result that the patient is seeking.My personal practice is to begin with implant sizers in clothing. that gives you an idea of how you want to look. Most patients get a pretty good idea of what looks good. We then go to 3-D imaging. I currently use a Vectra system by Canfield. It allows me to show you how you would look with different implants; different sizes, different profiles, different manufacturers. My current system also allows me to include a mastopexy into the simulation. It is not perfect but it allow me to eliminate ambiguity. You would quickly notice that there is nearly no difference in the look of a 550 cc implant relative to a 600 cc implant.Notice that I haven't said word one about dimensions, tissue characteristics, and the like. That's because I am only answering the question of size. All those parameters are important.  That's why consultations take a long time. There's allot to discuss. Take your time. Do your homework, ask probing questions, and I'm sure that you'll have a great result.

Unfortunately, you have not provided any
photographs or told us your bra size just your cup size. If you are 32 or 34 each 100 cc’s of implant
corresponds to 1 cup size change. If you
are 36 or 38 each 200 cc’s of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. From this, you can compute the volume
required to achieve your desired goal. Since
you had 2 pregnancies you would benefit from a simultaneous lift. I recommend a new technique called Breast
Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast LiftTM. Using only a circumareola incision it is
possible to reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevate
them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Through the same incision, implants can be
placed. Aligning the areola, breast
tissue and implant over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes
anterior projection with a minimal size implant. Small round textured silicone gel implants
placed retro-pectoral look and feel more natural, are more stable, less likely
to ripple or have complications needing revision. Implant profile is irrelevant in the
retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it. 550 cc or 600 cc implants are very large, will
not fit retro-pectoral, will extrude inferiorly and laterally requiring
revision. 22% of women who undergo
breast augmentation alone require revision within 2 years because they are
dissatisfied with the result.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Breast Implant SizePlease see my previous posts regarding this topic for more information. This is one of the most frequently asked patient question. Your strap size 32 34 36 makes a big difference in cup size. A 32 dd is much less volume than a 36 dd.Also, sagging is a big factor after children.  Photos of what you consider a dd would be helpful.  The profile of the implant  and diameter matter as well.More information would help. It's worth a drive from Bakersfield to get good informtion.

Its always difficult to meet patients and in a very short period of time figure out what they want. I encourage patients to bring a spouse or girlfriend in to help them decide what looks good on them. We can give suggestions but, they are only that...suggestions.

This is tricky because all bra manufacturers are different..bring a bra to the consult you continuously buy. TRY implants within the bra YOU BUY...or go with Adjustable Saline Implants!Dr J

Size choice is difficult but you must be able to express the size you are looking for to the surgeon you have chosen. The best way to do this is by trying on sizers or performing the rice test. I understand cup size can very, this is evident by all the different brand bras fitting differently but yet saying their the same size. I perform over a 1000 breast augmentations per year and have asked my patients when they come back how much do they think they went up. Now after years of doing this and having an extremely large group of patients and listening to them this is the estimates I would considerUnder five foot tall 180cc per cup5'-5'3 about 200cc per cup5'4- 5'7 225cc per cupTaller then that most patients feel 225cc up to 250cc can be a cup.I think what is more important than cup size is conveying to your surgeon what your expectations are for size. Thats why I believe all patients should perform some type of sizing method disregarding cup size but focusing more on what you like when your wearing the sizers. I would recommend the rice test site. Remember cup size varies based on how the person wears their bra. It also varies based on your anatomy and frame size not to mention how you may like to wear your bra. I would suggest performing the rice test which can be found online to help you with this.

It is difficult to answer the question of whether 5 50 cc or 600 cc would be best for you.  Factors and need to be taken into consideration are width of the breast and how much soft tissue you have and how loose or tight your chest is.  But generally a difference between 550 cc and 600 cc is not a full cup size it usually would amount to  a third or half of a cup size.  You have stated that you are now a C cup ,if you are a 34 cc, then a 600 cc implant would not look natural.   But if you are a 36C or a 38C then a 600 cc implant would look good. The second consideration is whether to go to a moderate or a high profile, this again depends on the width of your breast,and the shape of her breast.  Generally a high profile implant will give you more fullness of the upper pole or a Hollywood look.

Thank you for your question. There are several factors that go into picking the right implant for you such as the width of your breast, the soft tissue characteristics of your breast, and your aesthetic goals. The difference between 550 and 600 cc is not really distinguishable and the difference between 500-600 is slightly more noticeable but it will not likely change your cup size. As far as the profile goes I would see which profile your surgeon recommends to fit your frame. Good luck.

It is difficult to comment on your size.  Bra size is not constant. I size patients in my office.  I have patients put in a bra then we place template silicon implants to find the size.  The biggest complaint women have is that they wished they would have gone larger.  

Without an exam it is difficult to tell you what would be best for you, The exam and reviewing your concerns is essential.