Which size will get me to my goal, 295cc or 300cc? (Photos)

Dear jenn0305,
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

Did you employ external sizers or 3D imaging?  If not, it would have been very helpful to you to better appreciate what your look (not cup size) would have been post-op.  Now that you are healing from 270 cc implants, it would be suggested that you just give it time to see how you heal and settle and then decide months down the road whether you need more volume or not.  How do you know just 30 cc's will do it for you?  That is just 6 tsp or an ounce and when put in a sphere like an implant, won't change the dimensions very much.  And if you are ever torn between two adjacent sizes, always go with the larger one.  So give it time and make a decision later but just how much will make you happy is the million dollar question.

Although I understand your concerns, I would encourage you to be patient given that you are only 10 days out of surgery today. It is, as you may know, much too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed.   Keep in mind, that the breast implants (290 cc and 300 cc) that you refer to in your post will likely not create a  visually perceptible difference in breast size. Again, at this point my best advice: patience and close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.   If you choose to proceed with revisionary breast surgery down the line, I would suggest that you avoid the use of cup sizes and or subjective terminology such as "huge" during the communication process.  Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question and your pictures.
Selecting a breast implant can be a daunting event but there are ways to make it easier and a pleasant experience. I have my patients try on several implants with a bra in order to get the look they want. I do not focus on cup size because this measurement varies widely within the bra manufacturers. The difference between a 295 cc and a 300 cc implant is minimal. I would recommend you go with the size that you feel gives you the look you want. Your surgeon can help guide you and make sure your body can accommodate such an implant.
Best wishes!
Olivier A. Deigni, MD, MPH
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Dear Jenn,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Breast implant sizing is a combination of current versus desired breast size, chest wall and breast measurements, and skin and subcutaneous tissue quality. I would suggest that 1) you wait longer than 10 days to change your size (you should wait more like 3 months for swelling to resolve and implants to drop), and 2) at 20 - 30 cc difference (from 270 to 290 or 300 cc) is likely to not make much of a difference. You should probably go with something more like 350 - 375cc, if you want a noticeable difference. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon