So lost on how to choose the right size & profile for my implants (Photo)

in general, i try to discourage patients from going to large volume implants. Most third parties would agree that extremely large breasts may be fun but are not as aesthetically attractive as those that are more proportionate. In addition, large heavy breasts tend to sag over time and the weight can cause physical discomfort.

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this:
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you.

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Dear bdstafford3,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

This is one of the hardest things to get correct. Judging from your photos, and your chest size and breast width, I would recommend a high-profile implants rather than a moderate plus. If you are contemplating a large implant, greater than 500cc, a moderate plus will be too wide for your chest. Your size and projection photos show implants placed over your breast with a bra on. This is very misleading, and confusing. Visit with a plastic surgeon who utilizes implant sizers. This gives a much more accurate three dimensional appearance, than placing implants on top of your breasts. Good luck.

Hello, 700cc are quite large implants, I think a 550 would be fine, and they would give you a D-DD cup, they wouldn't be so heavy.

Based on your height and weight, I would not advise going that large. 700 cc implants may not even be possible for an initial augmentation, but are definitely too large for most patients. Obtain a few more opinions before making your final decision. It will be time well spent. Best wishes.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts 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. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Whichever you close, it takes 3 to 5 weeks to get used to before you feel the implants are part of you. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

A 700cc implant is way too big for everyone in a primary breast augmentation. I would recommend using your tissue-based measurements and a 3D preoperative imaging device to more appropriately plan your surgery. For your size, I would recommend a 300-350cc moderate profile implant at the most. Big implants lead to future big problems, be careful out there!

Thanks for your question! In my honest opinion, that is far too large for your frame. I might suggest something in the 500cc range if you want to be large, full and bigger than average without being all implant. Good luck!

Hi, thank you for sharing your thoughts and your photos. Breast implant selection is a process that requires care and attention and open communication between the patient and the surgeon. I prefer the method of implant selection based on "tissue dynamics," meaning I take different measurements of your chest and examine your skin and soft tissue to determine what range of implants would fit in your breasts/on your body. Without even measuring you, I would say with fairly high confidence that a 700 cc implant, even if extra-full projection, would be too big- it would ride too high on your chest, too far to the side, and leave you with improper nipple location. Happy to discuss more if you'd like, but best of luck to you either way.