I am debating between 250/275cc or 300/325cc high profile dual plane implants - which size would be best for me? (photos)

Question

I had my surgical consultation and he said 250/275cc or 300/325cc, high profile dual plane. He's said the smaller would take me to a C and the larger to a large C/D. I want a more natural look that I can dress up and down, but also don't want to put my body through surgery if there's a risk I won't look that different. Im worried to choose the smaller and to only end up a large B. Please give advice on what you think would be best for me! Ref I'm 5'5, 9stone, bra 32/34 a/small b.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

The trap is usually to be overly concerned with size so that the actual shape change is not considered. Rather than concentrate on actual bra size or implant size, consider where you want to be full (probably medially and superiorly) and what contours you absolutely need to preserve (laterally and inferiorly). Most problems from augmentation result from implants which destroy the shape. It will be little consolation to be a certain cup size if the breast is poorly shaped. You have a nice shape now...the trick is to improve on it.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing.  Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.  
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan. 
Cup size is difficult to predict. Your options do not seem unreasonable. A more "natural" look is often associated with lower volumes and profiles. The differences between these options will be subtle. Remember 45 ml approximates the volume of a shot glass.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Cagatay Oner, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The implant size we choose depends mostly on the breast base width of the patient. As your surgeon will do the breast augmentation under the muscle, both implant choices will probably look natural. There won't be an important size difference between these two choices in my opinion. If you're concerned about ending up with a smaller size that you're hoping for, I'd recommend opting for the bigger implant option. 
Regards,Cagatay Oner, MD

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

The difference in volume between the implants that you have been offered is not all that important, it is really the dimensions that matter (i.e. the width and projection of the implant). With either of these choices, you will notice a different in breast volume, but different implants will give you subtle differences in shape. You could consider a consultation with the use of 3D imaging to help you make a decision alongside your surgeon.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Many people do regret going smaller in size when they have been considering 2 choices. It is very important that you try on implant sizers to ultimately decide. Either of those size choices would aesthetically work well for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ccha, 
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

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 breast 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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32 or 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.  300 cc implants will take you up 3 bra sizes.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

From the comment if u would like natural look, low profile implant and ergonomix implant will be your option for implant selection.If would like to cupsize c/d from small b, 300/325cc with low profile will be upsize and look natural.High profile should be small size for look natural, so cupsize maybe limit to large b.Low profile/ergonomix with large size for upsize as need and look natural, under muscle plane with splited muscle technique suggestion.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Many surgeons have sample implants available you can "try on" to get a feel for how you may look after surgery.  Either choice should give you a nice result.  The 250cc implant is a bit more conservative.  If you are wanting a noticeable change you may be happier with the 300cc implant.

I am debating between 250/275cc or 300/325cc high profile dual plane implants - which size would be best for me? (photos)

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