Trouble deciding cc's - any advice?

Question

I am 5'3 and 110 lbs. I am scheduled to have a mastopexy with implants next week. My doctor decided on 4 implant sizes for the surgery based on my 11.5cm measurement. 305, 285,255,235 Sientra Moderate Plus. I have a good amount of breast tissue to begin with (34D) and my only complaint is lack of upper pole fullness. I really want a small implant and I am scared these sizes are too big for me. Any advice please??

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear susangro2570,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Have you tried on sizers? These are implants in the sizes suggested that you can fit into your bra to see how you may look after surgery. If you are concerned of looking too big, you can certainly pick one of the smaller sizes since the lift should be sufficient in giving you upper pole fullness. Implants would only be necessary to make your breasts even rounder.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Frankly, if your surgeon isn't using either in-office sizers or 3D simulation software, you should cancel surgery. Having a surgeon guess an implant size, or in your case guess a few sizes and ask you to make the final decision without any idea how those implant sizes would affect your appearance, is unacceptable in 2024. Actually, it was unacceptable in 2014 too. This is risky behavior, and it increases your chance of wrong size surgery that will necessitate an unplanned reoperation.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Using breast width almost always chooses implants that are too small.  You could easily get 300 cc’s and not be too large

Trouble deciding cc's - any advice?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Trouble deciding cc's - any advice?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Breast implants

Answer: Breast implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.