How can I choose the right implant size? I want silicone unders. I'm 5'5, 117lb, 32in around. Breast width barely 12 in (Photo)

Please avoid anything above the 400 mark.  The 500's dont just get you closer to the bimbo and away from the bombshell but will also thin your already petite tissues out and may lead to visible rippling in your bikini that is difficult to address. 

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend that you follow your instincts and go with a smaller size.  If you are deciding on the larger sizes, I would also recommend that you consider the ultra high profile implants as this allows for a narrower base width so it doesn't create too much outer fullness.

The size of the implant is often dictated by the width of your breasts in terms of maximum volume.  At your height and weight, a 535 cc implant is fairly large and although I have not measured the base width of your breasts, I am somewhat surprised that this volume of implant would have a small enough base diameter to accommodate your breast.  Ultimately, your starting size and goal size are important, but I can tell you that a 535 is fairly large your frame as you have described and I think you would be better off with a smaller size unless you are looking to be particularly large.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Thank you for your question and photo.  You are right by saying that the 535 cc's are large for your frame.  Being in bikini competitions, you would benefit most from a smaller implant it would seem.  Please be sure that your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery and to clearly communicate your surgical goals with him/her.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for your question. It is much better to accurately discuss implant volume and projection with an in office exam and detailed measurements. In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements/characteristics. I use these measurements to help me during the sizing process to guide you to a safe result for your chest wall and just as important, one that meets your end desires.The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor. The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant. It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you during the sizing process. In addition, review of photos and use of rice bags can be very helpful to the patient and surgeon in achieving a safe and happy result. Close intereaction and involvement from your surgeon during this process can help alleviate the anxiety and fears of choosing the right size. I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.Dr. Gill

Thank you for the question and picture. Based on your photograph, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. 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, and computer imaging) will be critical. I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant type/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. In bra sizers can be useful communication tools also. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" or "bombshell, not bimbo" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process.
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). Will
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

The correct implant size for any patient  involves a discussion between the patient and her plastic surgeon.  The patient needs to communicate what she is looking for out of a breast augmentation procedure and what she would like to look like afterward.  Photos may be helpful.The surgeon must communicate issues about the implant size and the size of the patients breast and chest and the amount of soft tissue that is available to cover the implants.  The surgeon may advise you that a certain size implant is too large or too small.Since you are a bikini - fitness competitor you a a low body fat individual and I would recommend a more conservative size implant.  I would recommend silicone submuscular.You should have one or two more consultations with board certified plastic surgeons in your area and choose the surgeon with whom you are most comfortable and who has the most experience.Best of luck.

If you had 535 cc implants I think you would be too large and look unnatural.  I think your instincts are correct, 4000 cc is large enough.

Some patients like the oversized look and some like the overprojecting look. Both of those can be accomplished with large narrow based (high profile) implants. You should be able to show the surgeon photos of the look you want and if the doctor can't tell you what implant that would take, you need to see another consultant. We make these choices several times a week, you've never made the choice once. Who is better suited to make that decision. But no one can help you without an exam.