Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady? (photos)

Question

I liked the 450cc look best in the sizer (photos attached of me in 450cc sizer). I'm debating between the 3 sizes because I heard that once your implant settles, your breast size will drop 10% from the original implant size. I am 5"0 104lb, petite with wider hips for my proportions. I will get high profile because my surgeon recommends it based my dimensions. I hope to have a natural look, not ball looking breast, and approx a full C cup. My surgery is in 5 days. Which size do you recommend?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I recommend staying with the smaller size.  With your height, larger implants will make you appear heavy and will become more uncomfortable over time.  Believe me the novelty of large implants wears off really fast.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This may provide to be a helpful guideline: If a woman wears a size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc. This is a general number, and of course there are other factors that will affect this.With implant types there are choices when it comes to size, shape, and profile. Further, your Plastic Surgeon will measure you to determine the best shape and size of the #implants to be used.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose
a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this
decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid
silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only
into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort
or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. 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, and computer imaging) 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 we have time for a you their stuff's's homewith 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 know words such as “natural” or "full 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. 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 (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery  for petite patients) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Andre Aboolian, MD · Answer

Naked photos would be better if you feel comfortable.  The size of the implant depends on how big you want to be and how much room you have.  Based on your dimensions 450cc would be big and more likely to give you "fake" look.  Please review the before/after photos of the surgeon you want to see and make sure you like their work and also that they are showing you at least three views (front, quarter turn and profile) from each patient.

Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady? (photos)

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Answer: Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady?

Answer: Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady?

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Answer: Need better photos

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady?

Answer: Which implant size do you recommend, 450cc, 475cc, or 500cc on a petite lady?

Answer: Need better photos

Answer: Need better photos

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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