What's your opinion on 500cc vs 550cc breast implants?

Question

I'm have a breast augmentation in 2 weeks. At my final consult before surgery, we left off with 500cc implants. I am 5'7, roughly 200lbs and have broad shoulders. My surgeon said I'd most likely end up with a full C or small D, which is what I want but at the same time the fear of "most women wish they went bigger" has me questioning if i should go with the 550cc.

Anoush Hadaegh, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The difference between implants that you are interested is not large enough to make a significant changes in the final outcome. I always tell my patients that when they are not sure about two different implant sizes, always go with the larger ones. But I think this is a great topic for you to discuss with your surgeon and do not have an operation until you are happy with your implant choices. Good Luck.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. Regrets regarding size choice do occur. However, communication is key. Ensuring that your surgeon has a clear understanding of your goals/expectations is the best way to avoid these regrets.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Kaitlyn,   Front and side view pictures would have been helpful. You did not provide your present chest and breasts circumference measurements, that are critical for the correct implants size selection.   Based on your height and weight, let's assume that your are currently 36 small A cup size. 500 cc volume will bring you  to a 36 C + cup size. If you are 38 small A, you will become 38 C cup size. 50 cc additional volume, will make a small change only -  1/4 size increase.   If you are concerned about achieving your desired cup size, it will be safer for you to go with 575 cc - 625 cc according to your chest circumference (36 or 38).   Obviously, if you are currently an A cup size or bigger, that will change the whole outcome. So, I hope that your surgeon measured himself the chest and breasts circumference in inches.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                         Best of luck,                                            Dr Widder

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. Without a photo or your breast measurements it is hard to comment. In some women a 50cc difference in implant size will make little difference, and the shape, projection and position (subglandular or submuscular) are more important considerations. However 500cc is already quite big, and if you are at the limit of what your breasts can comfortably accommodate then I would leave it up to the surgeon. When my patients allow me, I will make the decision on the final implant size, and will put in the large implants if it is sensibly feasible.

Kenneth A. Godwin, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A photo would definitely help us determine if this size would be appropriate for you. That being said, there are many factors that go into choosing the right size implants. There are also different shapes of implant as well and most times chest wall measurements and breast size factor in to your final decision. Choosing the right size and and shape implant should be an ongoing dialogue between you and your surgeon based on the above mentioned factors as well as your post operative goals. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon prior to your surgery. Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.   It would be helpful to view pictures of your breasts and to know your individual breast measurements.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kaitlyndez,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

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

In most cases, the size of the implants chosen at the time of surgery is a decision made by the surgeon based upon the patient's goals and requests. You should clearly communicate with your physician and let him or her Know your goals. This is a discussion you should be having with your physician. We are the ones with the expertise And the experience to make these decisions.  Make sure you talk with your physician so that you are comfortable and happy with the outcome of your surgery. Best wishes.

Mark P. Solomon, MD · Answer

Your question is a common one.  Your surgeon should be able to answer this for you, but the most important thing to understand is volume is not the only, or even the main, determinant of your ultimate outcome.  The difference between 500 and 550 cc implants is one of millimeters.  More important is the implant dimension, meaning its diameter and its projection.  Implant shape may also play a role.  Your surgeon can easily tell you all of these facts, so you can be confident of your choice before your surgery.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. I understand your concern but you are the only one to decide which volume is the one you want. Discuss it with your PS and follow his recommendations.
International  Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic  Plastic surgery (ISAPS)
25 years experience

What's your opinion on 500cc vs 550cc breast implants?

Answers (16)

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