What Breast Implant Size is Too Wide or Too Narrow? 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting a full C Cup

Question

I am 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting to be a full C Cup after a breast augmentation, and I have a 12 cm. breast diameter. The only high profile implants that has a 12.0 cm. breast diameter is a 425cc. I feel that this implant size is too big. Can I go with a 375cc which fits a breast diameter of 11.7 cm. or can I go with a 400cc that fits a breast diameter of 11.9? My platic surgeon's nurse said the 375 or 400 would be too narrow and that I should go with a 425-475cc, but I really want a 375cc-400cc. What size cc should I go with? What size is too narrow or too wide?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In addition to my colleagues comments, It seems as if you are focusing on the high profile implants only. If you consider the moderate plus implants, you can achieve a 12 cm fill with a lower volume implant, if that is your preference. Before sheduling surgery, you should feel comfortable with your choice of implant size.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photo. Size of the implants can be very personal choices that a patient makes. In many cases, patients can go from a A cup to a D cup or larger. In our practice, I begin by asking whether you are looking for more projection or perkiness and whether you mind have some of the breast tissue push outwards on the side. In addition, I ask you to try on different external sizers to give you a sense of what your breast may look like and the feel of extra volume in the breasts. In addition, I take details measurements of the breast including the base diameter of the breast.  Your volume range and the breast shape preferences helps me the further guide you in your implant selection and to give you guidance on what the breast might look. If you find that you really like the 375-400 range and this gives you the look that you are looking for, then I would stay in that range.I would visit with some board certified plastic surgeons in your area to discuss your options and goals in more detail.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link.#breastaugmentation#findingtherightsize#BA

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

What you really need to show your plastic surgeon is what look you are going for.  From there on your plastic surgeon should be the one to look over the implant sizing and decide what implant works for the look you are trying to achieve.
I would start with doing the rice test, which I have posted on the journal part of my website, http://www.feplasticsurgery.com/journal/orange-county-breast-augmentation-sizing/66/.  This will help determine the volume and how big you want to be.  After that you surgeon can help you with the implants and give you an idea of what kind of look the moderate will give you, what the moderate plus and what the high profile will give you.
Good luck.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Danielle1986 - 25-50cc makes very little difference in the size of the implants. If you're looking for projection, you may want to go with the slightly larger implants as many women wish they were bigger after undergoing an augmentation. If you're in doubt, you can fill plasic bags with varying cc's of water and place the bags in your bra to get an idea of the size that you want. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Patient anatomy is a guide to choosing an implant shape and volume. If you have a breast diameter of 12 cms, than you have many choices. Go with the volume you want and align the implant type with your dimensions.

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm a little concerned that you are getting too bogged down in technicalities and numbers, rather than volume and form. I've read several of the answers above, and I have a little different perspective.  
My postoperative results are usually aimed toward a natural appearance that shows off your body form rather than the implants themselves. I tend to use implants that are a little narrower than your breast diameter, and I offer my patients a range of implants based on volume rather than exact measurements.  
I find it most important to use sizers in brassieres, with your clothes draped over to approximate the look you are looking for. This is much more important than millimeters of width. The implant itself will lie in various positions and orientations in the pocket that your plastic surgeon makes, depending on multiple conditions including your position- upright, lying down, etc...a few millimeters either way is unimportant when the implants are in place.  
What is most important is the volume that is added to your breast, and that you are happy with your expectations.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Time, weight and gravity are not on your side. Remember that the larger the implant and the weaker the surrounding support tissues the more problems you can expect over the years. A slightly more narrow implant will not make any difference with your final outcome but using a larger sized implant than desired will. Shape and base diameter are much more important than absolute implant volume. You are wise to educate yourself on the many options and use some common sense when selecting your best option.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

You will be fine with the 375 cc. It's only 3 mm smaller than your base width, and I've found it's better to be a little narrower than wider with implants. Also, Allergan's Natrelle line of implants run narrower overall than Mentor's implants, so you might consider a Natrelle implant. It would likely allow you to have a 339 cc or 371 cc implant and still be within a good range for your base width.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I'm glad to hear that your surgeon is using your chest wall measurements (base width) to consider a range of implants just right for you.  Volume alone is not the best way to predict your final post augmentation size. I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:
1.Dimensional planning2.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. Even your fitness levels and other relevant criteria are taken into consideration. It is you who will decide what you are comfortable with.
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.
In your case, there is not much difference between a 375cc and 400 cc High profile implant.  If you look at the dimensions of each of those implants, they are mere millimeters off.  I would try sizers to help you make your decision.

What Breast Implant Size is Too Wide or Too Narrow? 5'6, 125lbs, 34B wanting a full C Cup

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