Will 560cc high profile silicone implant be too big for my 5ft2 (161cm) and 13.5 base width frame? (Photo)

Question

My current bra size is 34B and I would like to go to at least full D cup or preferrably DD cup. I understand for my 5ft2 (161 cm) frame, weight: 51kg. The doctor mentioned I can go up to 13.5cm base width which allows me to go for 560cc high profile. I have 4 options to go and I can't make up my mind: 1. HP 520cc, 12.9 base 2. HP 560cc, 13.3 base 3. Med Pro, 420cc, 13.1 base 4. Med pro, 460cc, 13.6 base I want them as big as possible but with no sharply defined and round upper breast.

John Diaz, MD · Answer

It is very difficult without assessing you in person to know exactly which implants are the right size for you. A thorough consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will allow you to communicate what your desired result is and will inform you as to what is possible to achieve your goals. We have a device called the Vectra 3D imaging system that shows you what you will look like with any implant. Our patients are very happy with the choice of implant they make when using this system.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it sounds like you have already had a detailed consultation with a PS and you have started to narrow down your options.  Your PS will be your best source of advice about picking the final size; it is hard to offer detailed advice based on a photo.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your pictures, you are an excellent candidate for a large volume breast augmentation. Many patients want to choose their implant style and size and feel that they are in control of their outcome. There is a huge difference on how these implants look inside the body after they are placed. That is the reason I use intra-operative sizers. I have over one hundred implants at my surgical center, so I can get the best outcome for my patients. Matching up implant base width with chest width is a very small piece of the decision for placement of implants by an experienced surgeon. My advice to you is to show your surgeon about 3 pictures of what you want and let them pick the best implant for you. I tell my patients to remember this is your first experience at this and my 3000th. For the look you want, I would definitely go with a high profile of ultra high profile implant and you are in the right range for sizes. Best of luck to you.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

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
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

560cc implants require using a high profile implant. Make sure that you understand the disadvantages of using a high profile implant. These implants tend to place additional pressure on your breast tissue and skin and will finish over time. This problem cannot be fixed once it occurs. Using "tissue-based planning"is the best way to assure a long-lasting result.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Implant sizes can vary depending on your taste, body measurements, current breast size and tissue quality, manufacturer, and style of implant. Therefore, a single "best" volume size cannot be determined by height and weight  alone. It is important to have an in-office examination where several measurements will be taken of both breasts and your chest anatomy to determine what range of implant sizes will "fit" on your body. Within that range, the style, projection, and shape can be further varied to customize your augmentation for your own aesthetic goals. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon who has seen and measured you will be the best one to help choose the correct size. However, you are selecting implants that are probably too big for your frame and tissue. Long term, they may not be the best option. If you are set on these sizes, I would suggest the 420 cc implant. It will probably give you a nicer look that will hold up better over time. The 520 and 560 implants are large and heavy, will probably not look realistic, and will thin your tissue over time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and 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.
 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 words such as “natural” or "D or DD 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.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

From your description and photos it is clear that you want oversized possibly unnatural looking breasts after your surgical procedure.  I find it difficult to recommend that you proceed in this direction and I would point out to you that photographs are taken at one point in time and if you saw the same patients with droopy stretched out breasts and skin two, three or five years later you may rethink that choice.  I rarely use high-profile implants in my patients and would suggest that you reconsider and think about a mid-plus profile implant of a smaller volume.I personally choose to select the final implant during the surgery and take responsibility for the choice based on how different test implants or "sizers" look and what contour they produce.  I think this gives me a better aesthetic sense of the actual outcome compared to the patient's goals, choosing to avoid preselection of an implant.  Perhaps think over your choices carefully but of course ultimately the final decision is yours.  Please watch the video above for useful information.  Good luck and best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd