Opinions on CCs?

Thank you for your question.  The best way to get a true idea of what size implant will help you to achieve your overall desired look is to schedule consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and try on multiple sizer implants.  At that point you will be able to make a determination of which sized implant is the one that helps you achieve your overall desired goal and then work togehter with your surgeon to create the surgical plan to help you achieve it.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Hi Anne Marie, thanks for your question
on which implant size would be best for you.
Right now it sounds like you’re considering 492cc and 530cc. Since there is no way to say definitively
over the internet which size would be optimal for you, take comfort in the fact
that the surgeon uses your unique measurements and is able to provide you with
a general range. In many cases the board
certified plastic surgeon can best be your guide as they’ve met with you in
person and heard your aesthetic goals. You may consider doing 3-D imaging;
however with nearly all the breast cases we’ve performed, we’ve found patients
enjoy doing a live “try on” session where they actually can “try on” the
implant in a non-padded bra in our office.
This does not give an exact measurement of outcome, rather it gives a
nice idea of what to expect. For patients who desire a more natural look we
like to recommend the shaped implant.
For patients who desire a more full, voluptuous look we recommend a
higher profile implant. And remember that all breasts have at least some amount
of asymmetry (we like to say they’re like sisters and not twins). My very best to you. – Dr. Brian Coan

Hi Annemarie and thanks for your question. Choosing the right implant to help you achieve your goals is the key part of a breast augmentation consult. In order for anyone to give you specific advice you would have to have a consult. During a consultation we take measurements of your breasts and determine how much elasticity they have. This gives us an idea of what size range you would fit. From your photos it does look like you have a small volume asymmetry. This is very normal, and may well be addressed by using 2 different size implants as you have pointed out. The good news is that your breast anatomy sets you up for what should be an excellent result. Early on your breasts will have a very high, tight look. Over time, as the implants settle, you may very likely achieve a result very similar to some of the photos you posted. One very helpful thing to consider as you try to decide on implant sizing is to find a practice that uses the Vectra 3D imaging system. We use this to show our patients what they would look like with any size implant. We can also show you different combinations of implants to get an idea of whether you will need two different implants to help balance your breast size. Good luck. Dr J   

The best
cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a
variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, realistic expectations,
a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an
understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper
sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue,
breast dimensions which include the width,
height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered
when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and
volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit at a preoperative
visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The
cups of a 34 D and a 38 D are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. There is also no
direct correlation between an implant size or shape and resultant cup
size.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other
website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you,
physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full
medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure
would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon
be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.  Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice (regarding specific breast implant size/profile) to be truly helpful. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant type/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. In bra sizers can be useful communication tools also. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" 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. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process.
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).
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.