Should I go with 280cc saline or 320cc saline? (Photo)

Question

I know there's not much difference, but I am wondering if I should go with 280cc filled to approximately 300cc or if I should go with 320cc filled to approximately 350cc. My surgeon suggested I go with 280cc in our initial consultation but said I could go bigger if I pleased, we did agree on high profile. I am wondering if I should go bigger to achieve the look I want. I have an 11 centimeter breast diameter and a 29 centimeter chest width and am currently a small 32 A cup.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Factors which contribute to the outcome of Breast Augmentation are #size, #shape, and #profile. The #profile is determined by the amount of #projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the #size of the implant and size of your chest. Also, the placement or incision location will also have an effect on profile. This may also provide some insight. If a woman wears a size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc. The profile is determined by the amount of projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the size of the implant and size of your chest. As much as it's important to know what size bra you currently wear, the strap size is important to know as well. It affects the diameter of the cup and subsequently the diameter of the #breast implant that you choose. In my practice, about 15-20% of the patients are good candidates for silicone #shapedimplants.#Subpectoral or #submuscular implants refer to placement under the muscle which still remains the most common placement in the United States. #Submammary or #subglandular implants are the placement under the breast tissue in front of the muscle. This tends to more common in Europe and South America. General guidelines suggest that women with larger drooping (ptosis) breasts that do not want a breast lift often have the implant placed above the muscle, although another option, #DualPlane, has become more popular. In the Dual Plane method, the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle but the breast tissue is also release, in part, from the muscle. Those patients with minimal breast tissue should usually have the implant placed beneath the pectoralis muscle for more soft tissue padding. Your Plastic Surgeon will measure you to determine the best shape, size and placement of the #implants to be used. Lastly, another important element to a satisfying result of your #augmentation is realistic #expectations.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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, and computer imaging) will be critical. Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you schedule additional time to spend with your plastic surgeon communicating your goals, 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. I have found that the use of 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.

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

In our practice, we use Crisalix for 3D sizing.  So a patient can "virtually" try on implants prior to surgery to see how she may look after surgery.  For a small difference in implant sizes, it is hard to see on Crisalix or any other 3D program.  I think it is easier to see changes beyond 50cc and higher.  It sounds like you are generally in the right ranges for your frame and many gals like you, go for the slightly bigger implant.Good luck!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are worried about size already, you should probably go with your larger option.The best way
to determine the size that fits your personal perception of the perfect breast
is to try on sizers. This way you can see how they fit on you, how they add to
your current volume, and whether they fit your frame. Although the surgeon can
guide you, only you will be able to tell what is the right size. Try on sizers.
 Measuring a diameter and then telling the patient what volume they can
have (in high, moderate or moderate plus implants) in my mind is backwards. The
patients should be allowed to choose the volume. Then the surgeon carefully
considers the base diameter, projection, profile, manufacturer, and fill
material that will achieve the patients goals of size as well as qualitative
look (natural, intermediate, or bold upper pole fullness or projection), all
the while taking into consideration the patient's anatomic features that will
affect the outcome.  The experience of the surgeon and the degree to which
they explain the options to you is of utmost importance. The subtlety in the
final outcome is not achieved by which profile implant is used, it is
determined by the skill in the creation of the pocket, the choice of implant.
Don't let the doctor tell you what would look good on you. They cannot tell
what you perceive to be the best size. That is up to you.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The best cosmetic result in any
particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors,
including: your individual anatomy, realistic expectations, a thorough
discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of
the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just
about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which
include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need
to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of
various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing suit
at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal
implant.

Keep in mind that following the
advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you
what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your
desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons
of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest
that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your
concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Should I go with 280cc saline or 320cc saline? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Choosing a size is a matter of personal preference

Answer: Choosing a size is a matter of personal preference

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should I go with 280cc saline or 320cc saline? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Choosing a size is a matter of personal preference

Answer: Choosing a size is a matter of personal preference

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.