Should I go with 325 or 350 cc for my breast implants??

Question

I am in between 325 and 350 cc silicone high profile implants. I wanted to go moderate but my doctor said that due to my thorax it would be best to go high. I am a big A cup at most because I don't fill a B. I want to be a C. I like the look of the 325 when I tried it on and I felt that 350 looked a bit too big on me. I also don't want to regret going too small. What would you recommend I do? My surgery is a month from now.

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

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, 25cc is LESS than 2 tablespoons--you cannot see this difference when distributed over an entire breast. But, I understand that YOU could see a difference when sizing, and therefore the question.When sizing, implants that you liked were contained by a bra or stretch top, but inside your body, the exact same implants will look smaller due to submuscular compression, and this frequently leads to women who feel their surgeon put in the "wrong" implants, or that they chose too small. And it's often not just one implant size difference! The larger volume needed to account for this is more accurately about 10-15% more than the sizer volume chosen. So if you really liked the look of your 325cc sizers, I would suggest implants in the 360-375cc size range. Please understand that this is still only 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 tablespoons larger, but his will help you avoid the "too small" blues later.I would certainly use other sizing methods as well, but based on the limited information you have given, you will most likely be happy with either, but happiest with the larger of the two choices. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

Implant size if often a stressful decision.  I think that the 350cc implant will look like the 325cc implant that you are trying on, once it is placed behind the muscle. So I would suggest the larger size. Good luck!

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

There really isn't that big of a difference in those sizes and in my experience most women are happy long term that they chose a larger implant.

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.

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for the question. There is very little difference between those two implant sizes. If you were comparing say 350cc to 550cc that would be a substantial difference in terms of what kind of result you would get.

My suggestion would be to find a practice that uses the Vectra 3D imaging system. We use this to show our patients what they would look like with any size or style implant. Good luck.

Dr West

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A 25 cc difference in implant volume is not a big difference and you probably would not notice it.  Best of luck.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

there is really no difference between those. There IS a difference between 325 and 450! If your surgeon feels that 350 will fit your frame, go for it.

Ethan Philpott, MD · Answer

You want to err on the side of going larger rather than smaller in this case.  If you are really an "A" cup, this might not get you to a full "C", but your doctor should be the best judge of this.

Should I go with 325 or 350 cc for my breast implants??

Answers (16)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (16)

More Breast Implants Questions

Are 265 / 285cc round moderate implants to small?

Would my incision heal better if I switch to comfortable sports bra from surgical bra? I'm 10 days post-op.

Moderate Vs High profile. (photos)

Are 475cc breast implants going to look big or small on me? 5,5 weight 135.

Can a doctor change the spacing between breasts?

Is it possible that the implant is putting a strain on my heart or tugging on the muscle?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS