Is 200cc enough for me? Should I go under or over muscle? (Photo)

It is very difficult to estimate an ideal implant volume based on height, weight, and photographs alone. I would expect that a 200cc implant would result in a very aesthetically pleasing outcome. Better and more accurate information can be obtained during a formal consultation. Once your board certified plastic surgeon has examined you and understands your goals, he or she can guide you through the implant selection process. Most patients do best with implants placed under the muscle but your surgeon can help you make this decision as well.

The procedure takes one to two hours. You will likely be given general anesthesia, during which you will be "asleep" and pain-free.

The surgeon will make a cut under your breasts, under your arms, or around your nipples, depending on your body, the type of implant, and how much enlargement is being done.

The surgeon will put the breast implant into a pocket above or below your chest muscle. After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the cuts with sutures or surgical tape.

A breast augmentation under the muscle has a lower risk of capsular contracture.
Typically most patient will have their breast implants under the muscle.
Some patient choose to have their breast implants over the muscle if they don't want their pectoral muscle function to be affected. Another reason to go over the muscle is to avoid animation deformity.
If patients also are looking for an overfilled fake look, they may choose to have their implants over the muscle.
It is best to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to determine which size implants would be best for your breasts.

Hello and thank you for the question. Based on your photographs and description, 200 cc seems very reasonable. I would recommend placement under the muscle as this is safer long-term and feel better. However, the process of choosing implants is a complex one with many variables. Therefore, I recommend that you have an extensive and detailed discussion about your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon.

Good morning,
200cc sounds like an excellent choice- but you should try on the implant sizers with several different tops at your PS office to confirm that this will provide you with your goal look and size. I recommend under the muscle- they look better, feel better, last longer, mammograms are better, and the risk of capsular contracture is much lower!

Breast implant size has nothing to do with bra cup size - which varies with each bra manufacturer as you mentioned. The average implant volume placed in the US is 350 cc. A very general estimate is that one cup size is 150 to 200 cc of volume, but realize that no direct correlation exists between the two.
The benefits of a dual-plane implant placement are: Muscle coverage of the upper two-thirds of the implant lowers the chance of visible rippling/wrinkling and a visible upper implant border, while creating a gentle slope to the breast.
A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to guide you to the correct size implant. Based upon measurements of your chest wall and breast imprint width as well as knowledge of all breast implant sizes and profiles should make this process easy. Try on a profile bra with various silicone or saline cc sizers (start with 200cc) your PS recommends under a tailored blouse, tank top, bikini, workout clothes, and other garments you typically wear so that you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected. Select the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.

You can use new technology to see exactly what different sized implant will look like on you. The technology can be used to control for implant volume, profile, and shape.

Dear Jeez1495,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and photograph.  I think you are starting from an excellent position and should anticipate a nice result.  Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing a series of board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations.  It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like.  Best wishes!

Your implants would look best behind the muscle to avoid seeing the implant edge and give nice upper breast fullness without being a ball. The 200 cc implant would probably look very nice.