How big of an implant is safe for me considering I also will need a breast lift? (photo)

   I think you can probably have somewhere in between the two.  In general, the larger the implant the greater the rate of complications.  I think that a vertical lift and up to about 500 cc is reasonable.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Hi. There are many choices to make with breast augmenation, most of which
have advantages and disadvantages. The size of the implant depends on what size
you want to be after the operation, and if you chose an implant larger than
your current breast there is a greater likelihood you will be able to see and
feel the implants. If you chose large implants >350-400cc then you will
achieve a more natural result with shaped (tear-drop) implants compared to
round implants. It comes down to what shape/look you want from the operation.
The best things is to ask your surgeon to show you photos with similar body
frame and similar size implants to the ones you are thinking of to get a
realisitic idea of what to expect.Your breasts can definitely accomodate more than 360cc implants, but there are more long-term problems and reoperations with larger implants, and your breast skin is likely to stretch more with larger implants.

Try to find someone with a Vectra 3D imaging machine in your area to simulate
your breast augmenation result (see the link below) - in a recent article (Oct
2013) of Plastic& Reconstructive Surgery Journal (Plast. Reconstr. Surg.132:
810, 2013.), the main Plastic Surgery Journal worldwide, the 3D imaging VECTRA
machine was found to be beneficial for patients considering breast augmentation
surgery.

The article concluded that patients prefer a center that offers
three-dimensional imaging technology; they feel that the simulation is very
accurate and helps them greatly in choosing the implant; and that if they could
go back in time, they would choose the same implant again.

All the best with your decision. Regards Dr Charles Cope

The answer to the question of how big is too big is up to you.  I don't mean that you get to pick your size, necessarily, but what do you want out of the implants. If this is a surgery that you want to last a long time and give you long lasting, satisfying results, I would warn you against XL implants.  If you want 10 or fewer years and a series of complicated attempts to fix your breasts thereafter, then XL implants are not unreasonable.  The complications with XL implants are not immediate. They are due to the constant, chronic effects on your tissue by the heavy, overstretched implants. For some women, the decision to sell the future for their ideal breasts now is worth it.  I would warn against it, however.Having said that, a 360 implant is very unlikely to give you a satisfactory result.  Your body will likely tolerate a larger implant and this may provide a compromise between the XL and the too small.Best,Dr. Pyle

Very large breast implants in the 600-700 cc range can cause serious complications when placed in conjunction with a breast lift.  Please follow the plastic surgeons advice Re: Smaller implants.