How much of the implant size is lost when it is place under the muscle?

Question

I'm a 36 year old female that's 5'6" tall and 128 pounds. I have a thin, athletic build and am currently wearing a 34A that breast fed one baby for 3 years. I cannot decide if a sub muscular 300cc or 325cc will help me to achieve my goal of a generous 34C. I realize cup sizes are not that consistent to use here but any D sized bra is way beyond where I want to be with my active lifestyle. How much of the implant size is lost when it is place under the muscle?

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

I think the implants may look a little smaller when they are "squished" under the muscle and after the swelling has decreased but they don't actually lose volume. We tend to tell pts to chose a slightly larger to be close to their final goals for breast augmentation. Make sure to see someone with board certification in Plastic Surgery.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I do not think that any of the implant size is "lost" under the muscle. I think that early after surgery there is swelling and elevation of the implant when placed under the muscle and this leads to a larger than expected outcome initially. When things settle and heal, the size and fullness appears to decrease and patients conclude that some volume is "lost." I would say you need to go through a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and let him or her guide you through the process. If in the end you are between 300 and 325 cc, and you are worried about being too small, choose the larger implant. If you are an A cup now, an implant in the 300 cc range should provide you with around a 2 cup size change in the end.Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mkla,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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

It is believed that you lose about 50cc when the implant is placed behind the muscle.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is done with external sizers to help you visualize what outcome you will have.  Whatever sizer size you like, I always add 10% to the volume to achieve that look above or below the muscle.  If you don't upsize the implant, you will be smaller than what you were hoping for.  And if you limited your look to a C cup, best to bring in a bra you want to fill and use sizers to fill it, then add 10% that number for your implant size.  This is not 100% but has been very accurate over the course of my 25 year career.

How much of the implant size is lost when it is place under the muscle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Answer: Sizing for augmentation

Answer: Sizing for augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

How much of the implant size is lost when it is place under the muscle?

Answers (7)

Answer: Size

Answer: Size

Answer: Sizing for augmentation

Answer: Sizing for augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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