Is 450-500 cc too large or unsafe for my petite frame? (Photo)

Question

Im 5’1” 118lbs. 3 months ago I had a breast augmentation. I received 350 cc high profile silicone unders. I love the shape and how they sit but now Im wishing they were larger. I would like to go up another full cup size. Will 450-500 give me another full cup? And is it safe? Will this lead to a higher risk of complications? I have had an excellent recovery with little discomfort and no complications.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  My simple answer is why mess up a good result and have the chance to run into complications and problems that may in turn become a disaster.  I think that since you are petite then I would stick with what you have!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

This is really about what is "technically possible" versus what "looks good" on a particular person.In my aesthetic opinion, I wouldn't recommend going larger than what you have.  I think the larger size would look top heavy, and your breast size would "take over" your shape or look bulky in clothes.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Breasts already look large for your frame, but not unacceptably so.  In my opinion upgrading to 500 cc we'll make it look way too big and furthermore cause unacceptable risk, both in the short-term and long-term.  You look good, let the tissue stretch and the result mature for several months in the meantime.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photo, I would not recommend upsizing. They currently look very full, and your shape will not be entirely the same if you upsize. While there is no direct translation of cc to cup size, on average 150-200 cc will add a cup size, and if the breast width is narrow, the cup size can go up with less than 150 cc. The larger the implants the greater the risks of complications, and in a petite person 350 cc is already a nice full size, and 500 cc would be considered a large implant for your frame. This will put greater stress on your skin and tissue, and you may notice drooping or sagging sooner, or be at risk for bottoming out, or developing stretch marks. This is in addition to the other risks like capsular contracture, etc. Also, with this size you could play them up or down with whatever type of bra you choose, whereas with 500 cc they will be more "on display" at all times, and it may be harder to find clothing that fits well. In the end, it is really a personal decision what breast size you find most attractive, but to answer to your question, yes, you would have a higher risk of complications.

Trefor Nodwell, MD · Answer

Hi Emily,Glad you’re having an uneventful recovery from your recent surgery!Regarding moving up to a larger size, likely you will do just fine but it would be good to clarify a couple of things.Was there a specific reason you went with the current size and profile? - aesthetic goals, surgeon recommendations, tissue considerations, measurements ...What from that list of reasons has changed?Will changing sizes go against any of the medical recommendations already discussed?If you do choose to go ahead I might recommend that you wait a few more months to really see how your result holds up over time. If everything is “stable” and unchanging, then with the advice of your surgeon you should be able to go ahead safely. If things are still evolving (implant position, soft tissue coverage, etc) then you might wish to wait longer and even not go ahead at all. You don’t want to compound any problems.Thanks again for your question.Best of luck.Dr Nodwell

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon!You can easily upsize to the 450-500cc size range, and this will likely increase about a cup size. In terms of risk, when done properly a modest size increase does not increase your risk for complications. I perform over 250 revisions a year, and the vast majority (80%+) go bigger- I have attached a link to my Breast Augmentation Revision photo gallery for your review- hope it helps!

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

you have 350cc HP already, and it appears they fit on your chest fairly well based upon the single photo, you could go up another 100-150cc, but you would likely need to switch to an UHP implant in order to keep the implant on your chest within your BW.

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo. It is difficult to tell if the 450-500cc implant size will be too big for you but I suspect it will. You seem to have a very nice result thus far. You could probably tolerate a bigger implant but your best option is to go back to the PS who operated on you previously for an exam. He/she can give you advice on whether going that big is possible or even advisable with your petite frame. A 450-500cc implant is a very big implant for a petite person. I hope this helps. Best wishes!!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question.  It is likely that you will be able to safely increase breast size further;  exactly how much you can increase the size cannot be determined accurately online.There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. For example, I do not think that the generalizations of "150 or 200 cc equates to 1 cup" hold any validity or are helpful in any specific or practical way.  In my practice, I ask patients not to communicate their goals, or evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed, based on cup size references.
Generally speaking, every patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery should understand that their anatomic starting point will limit the outcome of breast augmentation surgery.    In other words, a patient's starting anatomy will limit how large of a breast implant can be utilized safely. The use of a larger breast implant (than what is safely "allowed" by the patient's anatomy) can be problematic;  potential problems include breast implant displacement/malpostion issues ( such as bottoming out, lateral displacement, symmastia...)  and/or significant breast implant rippling/palpability. My best advice: enjoy the outcome of the procedure performed for now. Only undergo additional surgery IF your concerns regarding breast size are of significant/daily concern.
  Best wishes.

Amir Nasir, MD · Answer

You probably could go up in size but what you have to be aware of is the larger you implants, the faster they are likely to "drop" and the more likely you are to need a revision or mastopexy sooner. This is something that you will very likely want to discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon.I hope this helps.

Is 450-500 cc too large or unsafe for my petite frame? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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