Can you help me understand these 2 VERY different implant size suggestions from 2 board-certified plastic surgeons?

Thanks for your inquiry, but without pictures and a full set of measurements it is hard to advise. You were given two very different opinions, I agree. Please revisit with them and get a better explanation, good luck.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Nothing trumps experience. Selecting implants that are larger than your breast pocket will cause the result to look unnatural and may lead to complications after surgery. See one more surgeon with experience in your area to discuss your concerns. I hope this helps.

Thank you for your question.
With breast implants, oftentimes your plastic surgeon will let you "try on" the different implant volumes prior to your procedure. You will be able to place the different implant sizes in a bra, and then place a tight fitting shirt over it to mimic the appearance post-operatively. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Thanks for your question! It isn't uncommon to get different opinions from different surgeons. Also, board certification does not necessarily indicate specialty. Make sure that your surgeon specializes in breast augmentation and has a lot of experience AND B&A photos for you to review. At the end of the day, you should trust your gut. Good luck!

It would be helpful to try on sizers in the two recommended sizes. This would give you a better understanding of how you may look after surgery. It can also help you feel the difference as well, which may be important since you’re a distance runner. Another thing that can help you choose is the surgeon: which surgeon do you feel most comfortable with and which do trust more?

Respect the measurements of base diameter, nipple-to-fold, and tissue thickness for stable long-term results. I agree that 400 cc+ seems much too large for a lean athletic woman.

Dear Anon453054,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Methods for implant sizing varies between board-certified plastic surgeons. Natural looking results depend on implant size, projection, as well as your own tissues and chest dimensions. In general, smaller profile implants (moderate or low profile) rather than higher profile (full or extra full) implants will give you a more natural, less augmented look. In smaller framed women with little of their own tissue , who want a natural result and implant in the range of 150-220 ccs is not unreasable. Women with very little of their own tissue may also benefit from a hybrid procedure that includes combining an implant with fat grafting for a more customized result.

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has an opinion on sizing. It's difficult as a surgeon to guide a patient and sometimes you (the patient) has to put your trust in the surgeon. Have you looked at each surgeon's before and after photos? 400cc is on the larger side, especially for someone like you who is athletic and petite. I always want my patients to feel like they can see a difference since the procedure isn't inexpensive. On the flip side, if after listening to my patient's wishes and lifestyle I will recommend somewhere in the middle. It's a balancing act. My advice, ask around and see who's used these surgeons. Look at their photos and take into consideration who's listening to you. Please use a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Good Luck to you!