500cc too much for my frame?

As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. 500 cc's sounds large for your frame and what you are hoping to achieve. Volume (500 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

In my own practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with precise measurements, we use onlay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Implant selection is a detailed process and includes examining the breasts as well as a thorough discussion of your surgical goals. The implant size you are considering is large and may give you an exaggerated look with your frame. It's difficult to say without talking with you personally what you feel is large enough but not too large that you look fake. Many surgeons have sample implants you can "try on" to get an idea of how you may look after surgery which may be helpful in your decision.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. You may wish to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like, but at a BWD of 14 the 500cc range is likely accurate.. Best wishes!