600cc saline feels small. I know they haven't dropped fully into place - what should I expect? Will they get bigger? (Photo)

Question

I am 5'7" and range from 135- 140 pounds. I have a very narrow rib cage and i got 600cc moderate plus, saline implants placed under the muscle. I wanted big breasts to match my figure. I understand cup size varies but i was hoping for nothing smaller than a dd. I am instantly worried these breasts are too small. I know they havent dropped fully into place ( i am 3 weeks post op)... what should i expect? Will they get bigger?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.  I takes often up to 2-3 months for swelling to resolve and your implants to settle. I would await this time period and certainly follow-up closely with your surgeon who will direct you on restrictions and instructions. 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, 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 of results. Sizers are helpful during an in-office consultation. 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. This is the most important determinant for the sizing of implants, which will provide the optimal result and most aesthetically-pleasing result for you.Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

Keep in mind that the perception of size also depends on the SHAPE of the implant, not just the volume. The visual effects of high profile (and even ultra high implants) are quite different from the look of moderate or moderate plus profile implants. MPs are flatter and wider (such as yours) while HPs and UHPs are progressively narrower and augment projection better. In other words, they protrude more forward while keeping the width of the breast narrow. Most of my young patients opt for HPs or UHPs when they can see the difference side by side in the office.  Secondly, keep in mind that the appearance today is not likely to be the appearance 2-3 months from now. It will change, EVEN IF YOU DO NOTHING.   Lastly, the bra size varies greatly with the bra and your menstrual cycle. Hang in there. Give yourself another couple of months. You'll likely be grad you did.

John S. Alspaugh, MD, FACS · Answer

After only three weeks, it is too soon to judge the final result. Your tissue will adapt to the implant over the coming months. A 600 cc moderate plus implant has the volume that will allow you to meet your goals.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.It is much too early to evaluate and results of surgery at this point. You should be aware that there are often “disappointments” with the results of  breast augmentation (too big or too small)  early after surgery;  these disappointments often resolve as patients adjust to their new “body image”.  Also, you will find that your breasts will change significantly over the course of the next few months.  Although controversial, I do believe that the  phenomena of “dropping and fluffing” does occur;  as breast implants “settle” the breasts do tend to look larger to many patients. During this process, which may take several months to occur, the nipple/areola complexes “rise” as the breast implants settle into the lower poles of the breasts.Preoperatively,  I suggest to all my patients that they concentrate on achieving a certain “look”, not a specific cup size, with their breast augmentation surgery.  In other words, my patients know not to base their communication and/or level of satisfaction with the results of surgery based on an arbitrary cup size that will vary from one bra store to another. Unfortunately,  no plastic surgeon is able to accurately predict what cup size you will end up wearing after breast augmentation with a certain size implant.  Again, in my opinion, it is best to set your goals and  level of satisfaction with the results of surgery,  on achieving a certain look/proportionality,  not a specific cup size.After you have waited a few months to see the final results of surgery,  don't be surprised if you are pleased with the results of surgery (regardless of cup size).  If not, communicate your questions and concerns calmly with your plastic surgeon.I hope this helps.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I can see from your photographs that your implants have not dropped especially on the right side.As the implant moves into a proper position beneath the nipple, areola and lower pole of the breast the breast will be projected forward and your breasts will feel Fuller.  Please wait 3 months before considering a larger implants.  600 cc is quite large and should achieve your desired result.  Of course follow-up with your plastic surgeon for advice.

600cc saline feels small. I know they haven't dropped fully into place - what should I expect? Will they get bigger? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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