Are 550cc Silicone Implants to Large for a 120 Pound and 5'4 Patient?

Thank you for the question.

Unfortunately,  there is no way to generalize about the largest breast implant that will be safe to use for you without direct examination.  There are many variables involved in the decision-making process when it comes to selecting the best breast implant size/profile for any given patient.

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 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  "D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on 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 helps.

Thank you for your question. Picking the proper implant size is something that creates alot of anxiety among women planning the procedure. Ideally, implants should be chosen based on more than just their volume. The base width of the implant should be matched to the width of your breast, and the projection chosen to fit your desired look and the characteristics of your breast skin. This allows the implant to be chosen on a 3 dimensional basis rather than by just volume alone. This will give more predictable and natural results. 

With that approach in mind, we can consider the original question. Depending on your chest width and overlying skin, you may be able to have a 550cc implant placed. This would be especially true if it was a higher profile implant, which would be more narrow and appear smaller but with increased projection. Ultimately, the best choice for you would be made during a consultation and the ensuing discussion.