Would a breast revision from 110cc to 375 to 485 be too noticeable? (Photos)

Question

I want a little more but not too much.  I am 5’10’, 143lbs, breast-fed 2 children. (36 yrs old) was full c now small b. Goal: little bigger than pre-baby. I ddidn't want friends and family to know. 4 months post-op. Having regrets I didn’t go bigger. Afraid if I go too much bigger they will be too noticeable. I Allergan soft touch 375 moderate, under muscle. Would do same but 485. Fine line bt natural & augmented (unnatural). Will this x the line in my frame? Worth the surgery? Wanted 2nd opinions. The surgeon was A++

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. Didn't want anyone to know, eh? Sort of like buying too-tight shoes so no one will think you have big feet! (HINT: you find out later that no one cares or notices your foot size--or your breast size--as much as you do). But, a common issue, and a good question.Short answer: maybe.Detailed answer to help you decide: 110cc is indeed a visible difference, but only about a half-cup difference. Realize you're adding less than a third of one can of soda to each breast, less than 4 ounces, and a one centimeter wider base. Size increase sounds like what you might want--enough to notice, but not over the top or too visible. But that cm wider base might be an issue if your pocket is right at the diameter of your present implants. In other words, if your implants drop to the sides of your chest when you recline, and you have a bit of side-to-side "wiggle room" of your implants in your pockets, then that extra cm won't be an issue (plus, your surgeon can always open up the pocket a tiny bit, but that adds another bit of complexity to the discussion--be sure to have that discussion with your surgeon, because it impacts risk of bleeding, capsular contracture, and possible nipple sensation loss).But if you don't have that extra cm, implant edge folding is not a good thing, and you can go with higher profile implants in that size, or open the pockets a bit--but that's only if things are tight right now. Again, discuss this with your surgeon.But 110cc is a nice choice. Too many patients here on RealSelf ask about 25 or 30cc size differences, and we're always telling them that NO ONE can see a 2-tablespoon difference! So you have chosen a size increase you can see, but not one that is going to make too much of a change, just enough. I tell my patients this volume is about a half a cup bra size increase, but that too depends on your bra choices. You might enjoy reading my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation by clicking on the web reference link below. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, I recommend at least a 100 cc difference if you're going to have surgery for a size change.  Less than 100 cc is just too subtle a change for most people to feel that the cost and risks of surgery (though low) are worth it.  In your case going up to the 485 cc range would be reasonable, but if I were your surgeon I would suggest doing so with a higher profile implant so that your new implants aren't too wide for your breast width (base diameter).  That way your additional volume will be in projection rather than under your arm!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Although it is not possible to provide you with definitive advice without an in person evaluation, most patients are able to "go larger" at a second stage, once the breast tissues have expanded (after first-time breast augmentation).  Sometimes, during this revisionary surgery, adjustment(s) of the breast implant capsules is also necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering revisionary breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” or "too noticeable" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery ( after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers). Viewing the patient's chest wall in the upright and supine positions, with temporary sizes in place, help select the best breast implant size/profile for the specific patient.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

David A. Dreyfuss, MD · Answer

This is a very common question.  We always recommend going slightly larger at the initial augmentation to prevent this very issue.  Patients rarely want to go through a second procedure if it is not necessary.  In your case, a 110 cc increase will increase your breast size by a full cup based upon your pictures.  It is difficult to say if anyone else will notice, but it is more important that you are happy and comfortable.  If you are finding that you are still wearing a padded, push up bra to achieve the look you wanted, then  proceed with the increase.  Based upon your photos, I would be concerned that a larger, moderate profile implant would be fuller, but may be too wide, and give you a "side boob" look.  You would achieve more improvement with a higher profile implant at that increased size.  Good luck with your decision.

Terence Michael Myckatyn, MD · Answer

This increase will provide some noticeable increase in fullness. I don’t think that that would be too much

Would a breast revision from 110cc to 375 to 485 be too noticeable? (Photos)

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Would a breast revision from 110cc to 375 to 485 be too noticeable? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Increase Implant Size

Answer: Increase Implant Size

Answer: 110 cc jimp

Answer: 110 cc jimp

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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