Experience with larger than 800cc?

Question

Does anyone have experience with larger than 800 cc implants for reconstruction?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

800 cc implants can be overfilled to achieve higher volumes.  They can be used for reconstruction but it invalidates the warranty from the manufacturer.  You need to remember than implants that large are quite heavy, are only held by the skin envelope, and can have problems such as eroding through and then become infected.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ankit Desai, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, yes, there is experience within the plastic surgery community with implant sizes larger than 800cc in breast reconstruction, though it's relatively uncommon and considered outside the standard range of FDA-approved silicone implants in the U.S., where 800cc is currently the maximum available off-the-shelf. Anything beyond that would typically involve either overfilled saline implants, stacked implants (rare), or custom implants sourced through specialized channels.

In carefully selected patients, particularly those who are implant-dependent after mastectomy and are seeking a larger, more augmented appearance, larger volumes can be safely used. The key factors that determine feasibility include the dimensions of the chest wall, the integrity and elasticity of the soft tissue, and the quality of the implant pocket. For patients with a stable reconstruction, no history of complications, and an adequate skin envelope, moving beyond 800cc may be appropriate, but it’s not without added considerations. Larger implants carry more weight and may increase the risk of long-term issues like bottoming out or lateral displacement, especially in thinner individuals or in those with limited soft tissue coverage.

Any surgeon considering this type of revision would need to evaluate you in person, perform measurements, and possibly use imaging or sizers to model your goals. It’s definitely possible in the right setting, but it requires a personalized approach and a clear understanding of both the aesthetic goals and the mechanical limitations of the tissues.

If you’re seriously considering this direction, I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with complex or high-volume reconstruction cases. They’ll be able to guide you through your options in detail and help determine what’s both safe and achievable based on your anatomy and long-term goals.

Experience with larger than 800cc?

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Experience with larger than 800cc?

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