405cc too big? (Photo)

Cup size is never an accurate indicator of actual breast volume as they can vary so much between bra manufacturers so focus more on the "look" that you want to achieve. This should help you make the right call. Best, Dr. Nazarian

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 405 cc implant to make her go from a “B” cup to a “D” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link:#RightSizeimplantselection

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should
choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in
this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone
(less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the
scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant
distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.



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

Without the benefit of physical exam, measurements,etc-- it's difficult to answer your question accurately. If you have doubts regarding size- you need to go back to your Surgeon's office and go through sizing process again, and review the plan . There is no direct correlation between the cup size and impacts size.

I think your size choice is in the correct range. Ask your PS to use sizers prior to placing the implants. Ask him to have available both sizes and allow him to make the decision at the time of  surgery. 

Thanks for your question and photos.I do not go by the cup size.  As you know, depending on brand and styles of bra, the bra size will vary greatly.I recommend my patients to go for the "look" that they desired rather than cc volume of the implant or the bra size.Please review before and after photo gallery and share your desired look with your plastic surgeon.Based on the examination of your body and understanding your goal, your plastic surgeon should guide you to the right implant size.Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

Perhaps the biggest unknown in breast
augmentation is how to get the proper implant shape and size. Sometimes, the
correct volume implant will still be wrong because the projection, width or
overall shape does not fit the patients anatomy.



Proper sizing requires effort on the
part of the patient and doctor.



1Patients should get photographs of
their desired outcomes. They should also perform the Rice Test (see below) at
home to be certain that they are in the right ballpark for volume (but not
shape - that is left to the surgeons exam and discussion).

2Physicians should spend time to
discuss all options with the patient. The exam should also establish the
basic anatomical requirements for the implant and procedure. For example, is the
patient asymmetrical, is there sagging, are the breast tuberous, is the chest
wall narrow or wide?

If the communication between the
patient and doctor is lacking, then seek out a more proactive physician.



Rice Test -

1Get a pair of disposable pantyhose,
rice and a metric measuring cup (ml's=cc's).

2Pour the desired volume of rice into
each pantyhose leg. Cut off the extra material and tie the pantyhose in a knot
so that the rice is secure.

3Put each bag of rice in your bra to
determine if this is the desired volume enhancement. If the volume is too much
or too little, untie the knot and adjust the volume of rice accordingly. Repeat
this process until your are happy with the volume of rice - at this point, pour
the rice from each bag separately into the measuring cup and record the volume
in ml's. Remember to record each breast separately because of the asymmetry you
may have.

4The ultimate volume will be about 10%
higher than the volume of rice measured.

If you have any further questions, please refer to my book
"Cosmetic Breast Surgery - A Complete Guide From A to Double D".

Larger is not always better. You are a smaller framed lady at 5 ft. 3 and 115 lbs. The profile of the implant makes as much difference in the end result as the sizing. The high profile implants are rounder and less natural. Most patients need to stop thinking numbers and volume and concern themselves more with shape and profile

Generally speaking, I consider two
factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional
planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the
breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of
each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these
measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a
unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there
are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some
implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can
review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing
system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will
be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and
sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery
which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you
longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a
range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural
fuller look. Hope this helps.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Thank you for the question. 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.

Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.

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 "big C 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.