5’7, 180lbs and pear shaped. Is 400CC too big? (photos)

Tall women with larger frames and broader chest, shoulders, and hips can often handle larger implants that would make smaller women's chests look overcrowded and heavier.
My patients prefer to try on implant sizers under garments they typically wear to determine if they fit as expected and help allay some of their trepidation associated with this decision.
Breast implant size has nothing to do with bra cup size - which varies with each bra manufacturer. The average implant volume placed in the US is 350 cc. A very general estimate is that one cup size is 150 to 200 cc of volume, but realize that no direct correlation exists between the two. I concur with your PS's recommendation. I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the implants have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

It’s probably a good idea to try on sizers in that range to determine which you would prefer. When you do, bring a bra in the size you’d like to be and a snug fitting t-shirt. Try the 350cc and 410cc to see what looks better to you.

Since you want a small improvement, I would not recommend implants but fat transfer. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years. Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body. At size 34, each 150 cc of fat transferred corresponds to 1 cup size change. At size 36, each 250 cc of fat transferred corresponds to 1 cup size change.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Fearless09,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

Hello, the shape of your body and the chest profile explains a lot on what size to go for, that is a bit on the higher side. But the skin elasticity of breasts, the base and the wish profile will all decide on what size is optimum. If you are wishing for a small C, i feel 350 -380 cc will be fair without causing any extra stretch on the skin. However, your plastic surgeon's opinion matters if he is guiding you on personal examination.

Based on your photos, I think all of those sizes would work well. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and trying on the largest size to see how you feel.

Hello and thank you for the question and photos. Given your height and frame, either implant would look great. the difference between 350-380 and a 400-410 is very very slight. In fact, the difference is likely to be undetectable. Having said that, both implants are certainly going to be bigger than a B cup.
I try to focus on size and proportion rather than cup sizes. Bra cups are notoriously inaccurate and inconsistent. If you look at a 36c cup bra from 10 different companies, they will all be different size and shape. None will be exactly the same. So it's hard to use cup size as the yardstick. When determining implant size, I think butt and hips are the best measure. For women with small waists and butts, a very large implant tends to look out of proportion and fake.

It would be worth your time to visit again with your plastic surgeon and try on both implants in a sizing bra to see the difference.
Again, both are good options. Don't lose sleep over this; if you trust your PS and he / she has a good reputation, you will be fine.
As always, be healthy, no smoking, and make sure any health conditions are being managed by your pmd. In addition, it's a good idea to take a vitamin d supplement for your immune system benefits.
Best to you.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.
You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation surgery. Cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.
It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.
There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.
During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.
I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.
We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.
We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind