Is 500cc too big?? (photos)

Question

I am going for breast augmentation surgery soon and after my consult I have selected 500cc moderate plus mentor silicone implants. I'm starting to worry that they may be too big, and I will look [RS bleep] star fake, or like bowling balls or something. I am 5'8", 185lbs, currently size 36b.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question - this comes up all the time in the office.  Deciding on the best size implants is a very individual choice.  It is always best to partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and together you can determine a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual frame, natural breast size, and the look you would like to achieve with implants.  There are a variety of common measurements that assist you and your surgeon in choosing the most ideal size for you.  Some practices offer 3D imaging that allows you to view simulated results on your own body and help make the best decision for a procedure that is customized just for you.  Best wishes on a great result and speedy recovery.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should
choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in
this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up
visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone
(less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the
scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant
distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about Mentor breast implants.

Selecting the most appropriate breast implant
size for breast augmentation is a personal decision that ultimately you have to
make. An in-person consultation with implant sizing is best.

It depends on your height, weight and breast
base width diameter.I will say this, for your height and weight, I do not think that 500 mL is going to be too big.

To know what might be right for you, see two or
more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to
make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have breast augmentation surgery.

I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  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. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.  Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering 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. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “too big" or "fake look" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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.

Roberta Gartside, MD, FACS · Answer

The choice of implant size is personal and as physician we are here to inform you of the potential outcome of the size chosen and also to help you match size to goals.  Based on your concerns, you should go and discuss the size options again so you can be comfortable with what you have chosen

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You have very nice normal breasts and should achieve a very nice result from breast augmentation.The size of your implant should be based on the base width of your breast which your surgeon should have measured.A 500cc breast implant is large and will likely make you a D cup or Double D at Victoria Secret. Another consideration is that complications of breast augmentation do increase in sizes larger than 350cc. For more on sizing please see below:

Is 500cc too big?? (photos)

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