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Hi Selsem! Here are a few tips for you because this is perhapsthe hardest decision for a patient to make, as well as the surgeon. Also see the video attached to my answer. We spend up to two hours for our BA consultsto be sure there is careful communication. We do a full exam in front of afull-length mirror taking six exact measurements. Weput your photos on a large computer screen for imaging, and go over your“ideal-size” photos. We then save this information to your password protected“web account.” First andforemost the implant should fit the dimensions of your breast and tissue cover. Balancing the implant to yourover-all body shape and tissue cover is essential. The main thing is tohave the diameter of the implant fit the diameter of your breast "foot-print". Higher profile implants tend to have a smaller diameter. Higher is really a marketing term, but oftentranslates into the same volume implant with a narrower base. Saline implants actually tend to decrease indiameter as they are inflated! The average size chosen over our last 7,000 breast implants was“350cc”. BUT, 90% of our patients tell us they wish they werebigger a year after BA. (We will see youevery year for routine checks at no charge.) It’s like your mind incorporatesthe "new you" into your own self-image over a period of time. Cup size estimates can be misleading, but I generally advise patientsthat they will experience an increase of approximately one cup size per 200 cc. You can try on implants in the office byplacing them into a special bra. The implant is also flattened somewhat when underthe muscle, so it is a good idea to bump it up a bit. Approximately 1-ounce (25cc) is added to the final volume to account forflattening of the implant in the partial sub-muscular pocket. Once you decide on a size you like, then addon 25cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly by yourtissues. Multiple measurements need tobe taken to fit an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon'soffice show you the charts of the implant dimensions for the various profilesof silicone and saline from the manufacturer. Then you and your surgeoncan piece together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes,versus your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive ata surgical plan. Keep in mindlarger implants tend to have more problems over the years. Since silicone implants wrinkle less thansaline implants, they might be your best bet. You canalso approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent amount of riceplaced into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in your bra. Wear this around the house for a while, andsee what you think. Implant size mustsquare with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest wall width. Multiple measurements of your chest wallare taken (seven in total). Implant sizeselection has been an issue of much discussion. Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size isalways established preoperatively. Also,patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal sizeand shape. A photo album of patientpictures is maintained to assist them. These photos ultimately help in determiningwhere the implants will be placed, since they can be shifted inside (to providemore cleavage), to the outside, up or superiorly, and down or inferiorly duringsurgery. In determining the final sizeselection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative measurementsand potential tissue cover. Finally,your verbal requests are factored into the analysis. We usethe quick-recovery approach, so click on the web reference link below to havethis explained and you can see the list of Quick-Recovery (Flash-Recovery orRapid-Recovery) Breast Augmentation articles from peer-reviewed surgeryjournals. It is a surgical procedure thatuses special instruments and techniques to minimize tissue damage and avoidtouching the ribs. It causes far less trauma to surrounding tissue thantraditional approaches, and it dramatically reduces pain and recovery time. Inpublished studies of BA patients, 95-percent of women interviewed after theprocedure returned to normal daily activities within 24-hours. Quick-recoveryBA is not a “gimmick.” These specializedtechniques, which actually speed recovery and get you back to your dailyroutine, kids and work, are published in our plastic surgery journals. Because these PS journals are “peer-reviewed”and edited, they are the gold-standard in our field as being valid science.Therefore, these are sound techniques, not marketing hype. Be sureto see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board ofPlastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for AestheticPlastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of PlasticSurgeons). Also, ask if the PS has anestablished, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing severalhundred breast augmentations each year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for awhile, about 20-years might be a good gauge. Does the PS offer all three incisions? Discuss the implant type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear"or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle)and the "quick-recovery approach." Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t see any on theirwebsite. If they are experienced, they should have several 100 breastimplant patients for you to view. I would also recommend that your doctoroffer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discusstheir experience with you. You need to feel comfortable, so make sure theenvironment is safe as in an accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or shehas ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals,which they can provide you. All the best, “Dr. Joe”
It is very difficult to determine the best lift you will need (recommended based on your photos) or 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 300 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. The same process goes for just filling in the upper part of your breast without becoming much larger. 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 link below including silicone vs saline implants
Thank you for your photo. 650 cc is a large implant but it could potentially look very good on you if you desire to have very large breasts. The implants will ride high for a while and when you do place very large implants like this there is always the risk of double bubble and bottoming out. You should certainly see a board certified plastic surgeon for this case.
Thank you very much for enquire.After having analyzed all the information and photos provided to us, I realize that you have small breasts. In this regard, you need volume (implants): Breast Augmentation.I recommend you to use microtexturized highly cohesive silicon implant ("gummy bear" implants), with high projection, and 550ml will be excelent on you, to fill the breasts properly.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-
The size of implant will best be made with your plastic surgeon in office with accurate measurements of your chest dimensions in person. Best of luck
Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for a breastaugmentation. The size of the implant is based on your desiredbreast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissuequality. This decision should be based on a detailed discussionwith equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure youspecifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who havehad this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find asurgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with aqualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
I appreciate your question. The size of implant 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 Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute #RealSelf100Surgeon #RealSelfCORESurgeon
Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. 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 breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.
Dear selsem,You did not mention your height or weight, so it is a little difficult to ascertain whether you will be able to carry off that size implant. That is a large implant when looking at patients across the board. Realize too that as you go larger and large with implant size your complication rate of nipple numbness and inframammary fold bottoming out increase. I hope this has been helpful. Robert D. Wilcox, MD
Thanks for the question! It appears form the photo on the far right that you are seeking a full look. You have some breast tissue and ptosis which will give you a natural appearing breast after your implants settle. 650 might be a little large for you. It appears that you have a 13 cm base width form the drawings. I use Sientra implants for breast augmentation. Their Moderate Projection and Moderate High projection 650 cc implants have a width of 15.8 cm and 15.1 cm respectively. The issue with implants that large in you would be that the breast will assume the shape of the implant and give you a round and potentially “Baywatch” look that may be unnatural. Implants in the mid 500 cc range might be a better choice for you. Good luck!
The answer should be coming from the shape of the breast you'd like to have: natural look or pushup bra look? If you put a Moderate Plus implant, you can wear a bra and have pushup bra look if you like but you will look natural with a regular bra. With a HP implant, you'll have the pushup bra...
I appreciate your question. Right now, you are very early on in the post op recovery period. It will take 3-6 months for you to feel comfortable having implants in your body and for them to settle. This time allows for you to physically and psychologically adapt to your new body image....
255cc is a fairly small implant size. I have found that the Crisalix 3D imaging system along with trying implants on with a bra can be very useful.