Breast Implant Sizing is 400cc Too Big for 5'2" 120 Pounds?

Question

32 years old 5'2" 120 lbs. Pre-kids about a 34B, but went up to a 36D nursing. lost 10 pounds recently. Boobs are small & deflated. Went in for a consult & dr. says I do not need a lift now. With my measurements he suggested 375cc as my starting point to achieve fullness and said he'd go no higher than 600cc. I decided 400cc. Surgery Nov 1st. Now, I'm worried it will be too big. Is there anyone who has went to 400cc with my build & breast history out there who can help? Very nervous. Thanks!

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

If you liked your D-cup size during pregnancy that is a good sign you will like having large breasts again. No, I have plenty of patients your height that are very happy with their 400 cc implants. You might want to look at some other patients with your build on my website. I find that is the best way to get a handle on what size would be best for you. If you find a woman with similar breasts and like the result with 400 cc implants, chances are you will too (check patient T.C.). Probably you are worrying too much! If you said you were considering 600 cc implants, that might be something to consider carefully.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A 400 cc implant may not be too big for you.  If your chest wall can accommodate this, then this may work for you.  As a reference, a 350 cc implant is the average size implant placed in this country.

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

One good way to assure that you like that implant size is to try it on in a bra in the office. That way you will see the implant with your height and frame. In my office, I like to use 3 dimensional images of each patient. We can super impose the implant size to get a better idea and see that you are comfortable with the size you choose.

Stewart Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, it's perfectly normal to be nervous or second guess your decisions, especially as you get closer to the surgery date. Based on your description, I think 400cc should achieve a nice, full and natural shape. Most women who had deflated breast after pregnancy had enough skin to accommodate a larger implant. The amount of breast tissues that you have will dictate how much coverage you can get so the implant is not so "obvious". Placement under the muscle will help some, especially at upper pole. If your surgeon is an experience board certified plastic surgeon and you had a thorough consultation and evaluation, then you have to trust that physician will achieve the enhancement that match your expectation.

	Best Wishes,

	Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

It is impossible to tell without photos or an exam. Simple height and weight does not give the full picture. From your description 400cc might be ok. But it also depends on what kinf of lift and how "tight/perky" you want your breasts. Lifts and enlargement work opposite so you need to have one be the priority. Then your doctor can better guide you. I would bet that 600cc is too big.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are several considerations that go into determining the best implant size for you. These would include your desired size, the desired look, the width of your chest, and the overlying skin envelope. The absolute volume of the implant is only one aspect of the implant selection process.

	The most important factor in my estimation would be the width of your chest. The proposed implant should have a width that matches the base width of your breast. If it is too wide, it will not look natural and spill laterally into your side. If it is too narrow, there will be a space between the implants which also looks unnatural.

	Once the width of the implant is selected, the projection can be chosen to accomplish the look that you are hoping for. It sounds like you are planning on a moderate plus implant, if silicone is being used. without an examination, it is impossible to select an implant for you. however, 400cc does not sound out of the question.

	There are multiple sizing systems available to help with the decision. I do not usually find photos of other patients to be very precise, but it can act as a starting point. Most important, talk to your plastic surgeon about the options and your desired outcome. He/She should be able to help you with the decision and help predict the final result.

	Best of luck with your breasts.

	Jeff Rockmore

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:

	1.Dimensional planning

	2.Gel Implant Sizing system

	Dimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.

	Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look.  If you have decided on saline implants, then based on the gel sizer you select, we can guide you to the saline implant that achieves a similar look.

	Hope this helps.

	Dr. Basu
	Houston, TX

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

Were you able to "try on" the 400 cc implants by at least putting them in a larger bra?  That might give you a better idea of how large they will look, although it's not perfect.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The implants you chose may very well be too large, The best thing to do is try a rice oor water baggy test with the volume you tried out.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sure that you can find many images of women on the web with similar before breasts who have augmented with 400 cc implants.

	These are not an uncommon size assuming that you want to be close to your nursing size.

	The fact that your skin has probably stretched should allow for a more natural result.

	The smaller the implant the more natural your result will be as well as the less issues you will have over the years.

	375-400 is the smallest detectable size change which will not likely make a difference in the long run.

Breast Implant Sizing is 400cc Too Big for 5'2" 120 Pounds?

Answers (13)

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