Choosing a size; 475cc or 520cc? (Photos)

The best cosmetic result in any
particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors,
including: your individual anatomy, realistic expectations, a thorough
discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of
the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just
about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which
include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need
to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of
various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit
at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal
implant.
There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The
cups of a 34  D-DD and a 38 D-DD are significantly different. Cup size
varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any
particular manufacturer. There is no direct correlation between implant  number of cc's and cup size in any particular patient.
Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other
website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you,
physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full
medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure
would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic
surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a
member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you
trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California

Thank you for your question. Picking the right implant size is important. In our practice, we use 3D imaging as well as silicone sizers to help choose the perfect size implants. Implants that are 500cc are rather large. It is difficult to tell you if that is the size you should go with, without a consultation. Breast base measurements are important to determine how large you can go.Looking at your pics, a 500cc implant will bring you to at least a DD, maybe larger. Attached is a web reference to a patient that went from an AA to a DD with 450cc HP implants.Best of luck. It doesn't hurt to go on another consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.- Dr Bryson Richards

Thank you for the question. Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. You have also done a nice job, both in your description and with your goal photographs, communicating your goals here.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, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) 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 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “very natural” or "full D or DD 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 concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.