Breast augmentation - should I go for 400cc or 420cc implants? (Photo)

Question

My surgery has finally been scheduled for January 18, 2024! BUT when I check in for my preop appointment, I have to let my Doctor know if I want the 400 or 420 CC Implants. I'm currently 5'5, I weigh 155 pounds, I wear a 36A looking to achieve a 36D. (When he measured me he mentioned I was 11 on both breasts?) So far I've chosen circle silicon/gummy bear implants. He stated that the biggest he felt comfortable going was 445 CC. I showed him my inspirational pics. Any advice would help.

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. Whichever you choose, it takes 3 to 5 weeks to get used to before you feel the implants are part of you. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

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. 
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear miss4everamber,
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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Based on your wish pics, I would go with the 445cc implant as long as your surgeon is comfortable with the width. You like a fuller look and you may need two surgeries to get to your goal. Good luck!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Have you tried on sizers in both those sizes? That may help give you a better idea of what would look better. You’ll find that a difference of 20cc is quite difficult to notice.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The volume difference of the two implant sizes you are considering is small.  Twenty cc's equates to less than 1.3 tablespoons of volume.  Many surgeons have sample implants available that you can try on to help you get an idea of how you may look after surgery.  Visiting your surgeon again may be helpful to you in making your selection.

Breast augmentation - should I go for 400cc or 420cc implants? (Photo)

Answers (11)

Answer: 445cc

Answer: 445cc

Answer: Sizers

Answer: Sizers

Answer: Implant selection

Answer: Implant selection

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Breast augmentation - should I go for 400cc or 420cc implants? (Photo)

Answers (11)

Answer: 445cc

Answer: 445cc

Answer: Sizers

Answer: Sizers

Answer: Implant selection

Answer: Implant selection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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