Is it more risky to have larger breast implants?

Dear Ms. Jessica.alba,Thank you for your story and questions. Unfortunately without nude photos and a actualexam I am limited (including taking accurate measurements of your chest) And can only give you non specific but hopefully helpful comments. Choosing the correct breast implant is a multifactoral depending on your anatomy, skin strech, desired look and size.Breast size is a very personal choice and using a variety of techniques (some of which you may have completed) you can achieve the size and look you desire.Unfortunately bra manufactures have not standardized cup sizes.Breast implant manufactures have created a wide spectrum of implants based on a "cc" measuring system. Different base widths result in different projections for the same size of cc's. Different shapes are based on the cohesiveness of the internal gel.My responses are:1)sizing:A)purchase several bras (full bodied and no padding) of the size you think you want to be. As you realize there are no standard bra (strap/cup) sizes.B)take a measuring cup (1 oz=30cc) place rice in a nylon C) try on various volumes of rice with some form fitting clothes.2)placement of implant:Select several nude model photos of the goal breast shape you desire.Placement decision of implant(subpectoral, dual plane, or suprapectoral) will be determined based on your anatomy If the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle I usually add 10% volume to what the patient chooses.... to compensate for the muscle pressing down on the muscle and for the naturally settleing of the implant which often makes the breast appear smaller 2-3 months after surgery.3)profile of implant:A) for the same volume the higher the profile the narrower the base width.B)there is very little difference in projection between a moderate to high profile implantthus little affect on the perceptible final projection of your breasts.C) the base width of the breast should equal the base width of the implant D)thus I personally chose the profile based on the patients chest measurements, (a high profile on a wide chest may not result in the cleavage desired and conversely a low profile on a narrow chest may result in implant in the outside armarea)4)types of implants:A) roundB) anatomical or shaped be (form stable)5)Filler materialA) Silicone gelB) Normal Saline 6)there are four companies that produce breast implants:-1) Mentor-2) Allergan-3) Sientra-4) Ideal1-2 =silicone fill comes from same factory3 =silicone gel has highest cohesiveness (gummy bear) for round implants1= only implants made in USA 1-2 = make both silicone and normal saline filled implants4= only makes normal saline filled implants4 = has internal baffles in normal saline implant to give feel more like silicone filled implants1-4 = all FDA approved, lifetime warranties3-at present voluntarily suspended distribution 1-3 have capsular contracture warranty 1-3 have different profiles (for same volume different base widths) resulting in different projections.1-3 have anatomical or shaped implants.I personally use all four companies based on the above and the best "fit" for the patient.7)Incision sites:A) axillary incision (armpit)B) sub areolar (around the nipple)C) inframammarry (breast crease)D) umbilicus (around tummy button)Each of the access sites have their pros and cons. I personally close all incisions with absorbable sutures.I suggest you make appointments with several Plastic Surgeon who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Thank you for your question. As long as the diameter of the implant matches the patient breast diameter and the volume and the volume is not to excessive for the breast skin envelope there should not be any problems. I hope you find this useful.