Long term affects of 500cc breast implants?

Question

I am considering getting 500cc breast implants. I want a noticeable change without being gigantic. I think the 500cc implants are a good size for my body frame - I'm 5'-7", 145 lbs - currently wearing a 36C bra for the cup width size, but definitely not filling it up. What I am concerned about is how they will possibly limit my activity. I run occasionally but do yoga, barre, and boot camp classes more frequently than running... I'm active. What issues might the 500cc implants present?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, insertion of any implant is associated with risks, but insertion of implants that are disproportionately large has additional risks of rippling, sagging, numbness, and other problems.  Your surgeon will be able to advise you whether they feel your implant choice is optimal for your body type.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

As implant size goes up, the natural amount of breast tissue you have goes down, and the less natural a result you will get. One technique to have a more 'natural' result while still having a large augmentation is to use shaped implants. That being said, this relationship still holds and with bigger implants the final result tends to be more 'sculpted' or 'augmented' and more obvious or easier to identify even when in clothes. Choosing an implant is a complex process and I definitely recommend setting up a formal consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.I hope this is helpful.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You are talking about over a pound of implant in each size. Over time, this will cause your breast to sag. I would definitely suggest under the muscle placement but keep in mind that since you are active, the implant will move as your arm moves. Hope this helps -- Dr. Nazarian

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

You can expect to go up 2 cup sizes, possibly even 3, with implants of this size on your frame.  Each of these implants will weigh slightly over a pound.  This is a significant increase in size and weight (obviously) and will affect more than just your bra size.  It will also affect the styles of clothing you fit into and also possibly your tolerance for some types of activities to some degree.  Also, the larger the implant, the larger the pocket must be made, and there may be increase chance of sensory nerve injury with greater potential for numbness of the breast, and also visible implant rippling at the edges of the pocket, compared to a smaller implant size.  There are definitely accepted guidelines for implant sizing.  I recommend that you see and discuss your concerns in person with a board certified experienced plastic surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Good question.In a woman with your dimensions, every 200cc approximately equals to 1 cup size. So, 500cc equals to 2 and one half increase in cup size. In other words, your cup size will increase to a full DD cup.Implants are heavy. The larger they are - the heavier they are - the more unstable they become. The rate of risks and complications associated with large implants increase and can range from: chronic pain, malposition, extrusion, stretch skin deformity, irreversible tissue damage, nipple numbness, capsular contracture, etc.).  As an active woman, it is recommended that you wear a supportive bra at all times for the rest of your life (day and night)  to minimize skin stretching, bottoming out, malposition, etc. I hope this helps you make an informed decision.Best wishes and kind regards.

Michael Baumholtz, MD, FACS · Answer

Depends on your base diameter (distance from breast bone to where rubs curve towards the back). Also depends on your definition of big. We use a program called VECTRA to give patients a really good estimate of what things will look like. You might try to find a practice that offers that. Regardless - seek a member of ASPS / ASAPS for your consult. Good luck

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Impact on physical freedom is in direct proportion to size of implants.  500 cc is significant size.  Only you can decide trade off between large breasts and activity limitation.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

At your exam, your plastic surgeon will measure your breasts and some options for breast implants that will fit in your breast size and body frame.500 cc is over a pound of weight to each beast so there is more to carry around and there is more tendency with time to drop.Under the muscle implants will move with arm activity so be sure to consider this as you sound very active.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question.  Although I cannot comment on your question regarding 500 cc breast implants specifically, the use of breast implants that are too large for a specific patient's frame can be problematic for many reasons. In other words, breast implant selection should be done so based on a careful consideration of patient's starting anatomy and careful consideration of the patients activities and life style.  When it comes to selection of optimal breast implant, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.  Again, 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, and computer imaging) 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 know words such as “natural” or "C or D 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.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

You are asking a great question.  Without getting your medical history and collecting your physical exam information I cannot give you a great idea.  My first thought is that a 500cc implant might be to large for your frame.  I use measurements and the implants guides to let you know what makes sense with the measurements of your chest and the width of the implant.  Also, I use 3D imaging for every patient so that each patient can see using their own photos what potentially they could look like with various size implants.  The system I use for that is Crisalix.

Long term affects of 500cc breast implants?

Answers (10)

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