My implants are so small. How come 480cc looks big on other people?

Hi misspinkadee,
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, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Selecting the ideal implant for a given patient involves considering a number of different factors, which most patients are not knowledgeable enough to evaluate. Unless your friend has very similar breasts and body shape to yours, what implant is best for them has no relation to what might be best for you. In our practice, we have the patient provide photos of what they want their breast to look like, and place the responsibility of choosing the correct implant on the most knowledgable person...the surgeon. 

Hello neighbor: There is a large range of breast sizes that can "wear" a certain bra size, depending on whether of not she is OK with space in the bra, bubbling out of the bra, whether or not she is wearing a padded bra, or monthly peri-menstrual swelling. So what size bra someone wears doesn't guarantee size, fullness, or happiness. The bra size has very little correlation with the size of breast tissue that one sees when the bra is removed.  Also, the final size of the breast is not only the implant size, but also, is combined with the existing breast tissue which varies from person to person. Therefore, there are quite a few differences that determine how a certain implant will fit one person vs. another. Your friend  may start with breast size different from yours and also with the left breast  different from the right. Bottom line, each person should try the sizers on in the office, PRIOR to surgery to ensure that they are getting the size and fullness that they think that they are getting--even if the surgeon feels that they will be happy with a smaller size.  

and with your height, you could handle larger volumes compared to someone more petite.  It also depends on your anatomy and the implant that was used.  Confirm that you did get the proper implant (on the long shot that you may have not) and then review how you determined what size you were going to use.  Did you employ external sizers or 3D imaging?  Or did you arbitrarily choose an implant size based on what your friend had?  There is a lot of planning that goes into implant selection and my patients are very much involved in what they choose since that is what they will get.

Thank you for your question.I'm sorry you are disappointed after your surgery. Breast size is a very personal preference and what what person feels is large, another person may feel is too small. This is why accurate preoperative sizing is essential in meeting patient goals. Most surgeons have the patient approve the implant size prior to surgery after giving them some idea of what kind of look they could expect. Comparisons to other people with different heights, weights, and body types are usually unhelpful in terms of what things are going to look like on you.In general, you are tall and thin and getting 480 cc implants on top of a B-C breast is going to put you in the noticeably larger than average breast size for women in the US. Still, if you are not satisfied, I would voice your disappointment to your surgeon and also see if your perception changes over time. Some surgeons will offer a discounted revision for size in some circumstances. Good luck going forward.

The ideal size of the breast after Augmentation is dependent on several factors: 1. The stature and size of the patient including shoulder width, height and weight 2. The expectations of the patient.  It is interesting to note that I have changed my approach to this dilemma by using breast sizers during the initial consultation.  The patient can then look in a mirror and take a selfie with various sizers to help determine her desired augmentation goals.  Even after all of this preparation the vast majority of patients will say after surgery that they wish they had gone up slightly higher than they agreed to.  I am sure if you discuss your concerns with your surgeon you can get this resolved.  Good Luck