5'7", 145lbs. 400cc moderate or 450cc high profile? (Photo)

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs, I think that you are an excellent candidate for breast augmentation/lifting surgery. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with very specific advice regarding breast implant size and/or ultimate breast size achieved.

Ultimately, careful measurements, dimensional planning, and careful communication will be key.

Generally speaking, patients undergoing this combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery.

Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the one hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other. Therefore, it becomes important to remove the appropriate amount of breast skin and to use the appropriate size/profile of breast implants to balance these 2 forces appropriately and to allow for achievement of the patient's goals while minimizing risks of complications.

Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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 "D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.

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. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.

I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

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.

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