Would a lift & 500cc gummy bear implants help me achieve the "Danielle Vaughn" look? (Photo)

Question

I'm a 5'7 140lb fitness buff (and personal trainer/coach) who is looking to achieve the same look as fitness model Danielle Vaughn. I am a deflated 34C-D. I have a wide breast, broad shoulders. The last surgeon I spoke with recommended a lift with a 500cc gummy bear implant to obtain my desired look. I want to be able to wear a bikini top, sports bra, strapless shirt and still feel perky/full. No more pancake boobs. As a world traveler I am happy to go far to find the right surgeon. Thanks!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation using a dual plane tehcnique.  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.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question.  Based on the photographs, I think that you are starting at good place and should have a very nice outcome with a well executed breast augmentation/lifting procedure. Also, assuming a complication free (and well executed procedure), I think that your goal photographs are realistically achievable.  What I cannot tell you online is exactly what size/profile of breast implant would be necessary.
 Generally speaking, patients undergoing the breast augmentation/lifting combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery. 
Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the one hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other. 
Therefore, it becomes important to remove the appropriate amount of breast skin and to use the appropriate size/profile of breast implants to balance these 2 forces appropriately and to allow for achievement of the patient's goals while minimizing risks of complications. 
In my practice, "tailor tacking" is an important part of the mastopexy and mastopexy/augmentation procedure. It involves TEMPORARY  closure of the skin (for example with temporary skin staples)  to double check the amount of skin that is to be excised during the procedure. This maneuver is done to ensure that enough skin, but not too much, is removed. On the one hand, it is important that enough skin be removed to achieve the aesthetic breast lifting results the patient is looking for; on the other hand, is important not to move too much skin creating tension upon closure and potential wide scars.
 
Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" or "perky and full" etc may mean 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 this communication phase.
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. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dustybethie,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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You might need a small lift. Commonly I can do this with a circumareolar lift. Best to be seen in person....

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

There are many factors that go into finding the right size and shape of implant to create the look you’re going for. You are probably in the right neighborhood but a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with breast augmentation will take you through a process and have you try on implants, do measurements, review photos, review 3-D imaging and put all of that together to create the exact look you’re trying to accomplish. I think that is the place you should start . I think you have a very realistic expectations. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

Would a lift & 500cc gummy bear implants help me achieve the "Danielle Vaughn" look? (Photo)

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Would a lift & 500cc gummy bear implants help me achieve the "Danielle Vaughn" look? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augment

Answer: Breast augment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.