I'm 5'1 and 118 lbs. What would you recommend; 550cc or 400cc?

Thank you for asking. This is a common issue. The best way is to determine this in person with a board certified plastic surgeon. Height and weight alone are not sufficient information to make a solid decision. Many in office simulations are possible. If needed, have a second opinion. Good luck

When trying to pick the correct implant size, it is important for you surgeon to understand how you would like to look.  Most surgeons will perform measurements at your consultation, and use sizers that you can try on with a tight sports bra or t-shirt that can simulate what the additional volume would look like in clothing.  In general, this approach, along with seeing photos of your desired look, is often more helpful than having you select an exact implant size.  Your surgeon should ultimately be able to give you a recommendation, and/or select the final implant size that will best accomplish your desired look.

Your breast augmentation consultation should have included breast measurements to determine appropriate implant sizes for your body type.  Keep in mind that larger and larger implants increase the risk of complications which can include thinning and stretching of the tissues and undesirable malpositioning.  Good luck with your decision making!  Jonathan Kramer, MD

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

I would go with the smaller size recommendation doctor. 550 is a random number that was likely just chosen without regard to your frame and tissue qualities. At your height 400 is going to be right around the maximum safe size for you. Lots of people want to go bigger than their body allows for ,and many do. This will increase your risk of complications, immediate and long term. Our tissues do not get any better as we age and a bigger implant will be a bigger tax on your tissues. The enemy of good is better.