Why Don't Surgeons Use Breast Implants Less Than 250cc?

Most of the implants we use are in the 210 cc to 360 cc range, so 225 cc is definitely not outlandish. We even occasionally use a 150 cc or 180 cc implant, especially in patients with asymmetries.
Every patient is different, and every chest diameter, breast diameter, lower pole, amount of droopiness, size need, etc. are also different.
Rather than place very large sizes which require more removal of the chest muscle from the sternum (causing motion artifact), we are much more likely now to measure and place an implant that fits the patient's body.
Perhaps it is the nature of my practice, but more and more women are choosing moderate rather than larger size implants.

Our judgment is dervied from extensive experience with patients who generally desire larger implants. Having siad that if a patient requests a 150 cc implant augmentation or needs one for asymmetry correction, I have used it with satisfactory results.  

Plastic Surgeons use implants of different projections and sizes.  It all depends on the goals of the patient, and what can be done anatomically.  During the consultation with the board certified plastic surgeon, this should all be discussed.  Good idea to bring photos of what you want.  Together you can formulate a plan to pursue your goal.

It is true that I put in more implants that are larger than 250cc than those that are smaller.  It isn't that I don't want to use smaller implants (they are much easier to put in) but women choose the smaller sizes less often.  When they do choose smaller sizes, plastic surgeons worry that they may be dissatisfied with their choice, 7 of 8 women who are unhappy with their implant size wish they had chosen a larger size.  Communication with your plastic surgeon is the key to finding the right size for you.

The size of the implant should be selected in general by the patient. You are the one who is going to wear them for next 10 years or so!
If you are a very small framed person and simply want a small augmentation then an implant under 250 is the right one for you. It all depends on where you want the surgery to take things. We often use these smaller implants to match the opposite breast if it is a unilateral surgery as well.
The reason most don't use implants that are less than 250 is because most patients don't pick that size. It's totally a matter of your selection with the guidance of your board certified plastic surgeon.
Best Wishes,
DoctorMeade

Hi,
Thank you for your question.
This is not necessarily true. I use a wide range of implant sizes in my practice, including sizes smaller than 250cc. It all depends on the patient. Every patient is different. They have different chest diameters, droopiness, nipple postion, symmetry, skin laxity, etc. It all depends on those factors, expectations of the patient, and reality of results.
Most women are between a 250-350cc range and most go from an A cup to a C cup. This general rule does not mean this is what you should do though. Smaller implants such as 125cc are rarely used, but mostly in augmentation cases that are trying to achieve a more symmetric look.
Best regards,
Dr. Speron