Will 275cc give me a naturally big look? 5'5", 96lbs? (Photo)

Question

I am 5'5'' , 96lbs, with a BWD of 12cm. My ribcage measurement is 26in, over my breasts is 30in, and just above my breasts (under arms) is 29in. With a good amount of breast tissue already, I have decided with my PS on 275cc Mentor HP round Silicone implants, under the muscle. Will that give me much of a change, visually? I'm scared to go too big and risk my skin stretching and complications. On the other hand, is it worth it to go so small?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
The size of implant is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.
  
Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness).
  
Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.
  
Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.
  
These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.
  
During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical. ***Given your concerns, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.  It will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation 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. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

Thank you for your question.
"Big" is a relative term. It means something different to everybody. In my opinion the following would work better for you. We have special breast sizers that you can place in a bra and get an idea of what the different size implants will look like on you. Patients find this very beneficial.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and pictures.  Some of the #methods useful for choosing breast implants include tissue planning (matching breast chest wall diameter with implant base diameter), use of external sizers and less optimally, no input from the patient (surgeon makes the choice). Ideally, you should utilize some of these techniques in order to make an informed consent. An essential, final parameter include your self knowledge of your personal aesthetics, preferred activities (aesthetics, sports, etc.).  When in doubt, re-size and consider carefully, knowing that native breast volume increases with weight gain and age.  The consequences of your good judgment have much to do with the eventual success of your op.

Will 275cc give me a naturally big look? 5'5", 96lbs? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Sizers/Augmentation

Answer: Breast Sizers/Augmentation

Answer: Breast implant size choice matches measurements with lifestyle

Answer: Breast implant size choice matches measurements with lifestyle

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Will 275cc give me a naturally big look? 5'5", 96lbs? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Sizers/Augmentation

Answer: Breast Sizers/Augmentation

Answer: Breast implant size choice matches measurements with lifestyle

Answer: Breast implant size choice matches measurements with lifestyle

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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