Is 300cc moderate plus too big for my size?

In most cases, 300 mL implants and someone that is 5'5" tall would be appropriate and possible. The base diameter of the breast can vary from practitioner to practitioner based on how it is measured. It is also just a guide and not a rule to be followed. Other considerations is the quality of skin, the amount of breast tissue that you already have, the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold, the quality of your inframammary fold, the shape of your chest rib cavity, in the distance of your nipple to your collarbone. And of course, it depends a bit on what size you wish to be. Some plastic surgeons adhere to a measurement based system for determining breast augmentation. My belief is that this is the minority of plastic surgeons. A lot of plastic surgeons feel that all the other variables also play a role in determining choosing an appropriate breast implant size.

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  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) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

It is very difficult without assessing you in person to know what implant size will be a good size for you. Keep in mind that implant size selection not only depends on your personal preference, but it also depends on your unique measurements. There are various types of implants that can help you attain the look you are going for. A thorough consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will allow you to communicate what your desired result is and will inform you as to what is possible to achieve your goals. We have a device called the Vectra 3D imaging system that shows you what you will look like with any implant. Our patients are very happy with the choice of implant they make when using this system. To learn more about breast augmentation, you can read “A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation.”

It is very difficult to determine the best procedure you will need (recommended based on your photos) or the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 300 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. The same process goes for just filling in the upper part of your breast without becoming much larger. Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the link below including silicone vs saline implants
#breastaugmentation

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.

Thank you for your question. It is hard to know if 300cc is too large without seeing a photo of you, as every patients measurements, heights and the appearance of their torso and rib cage, can affect the way that 300cc looks on one patient vs a different patient. In my practice, most women would like a 1-2 cup size of an increase with more upper pole fullness, which is generally between 300-450cc. Your surgeon should have sample implants for you to try on and get a better idea of what type of size would work best for you. Best of luck!

Hi soccer2,

Breast implant type and size selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion of the pros and cons of the various types and sizes. 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 your 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

After several consultations during which I assume you tried on a profile bra with sample implants under a tailored blouse, tight sweater, swimsuit, soccer shirt, and other garments you typically wear, you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected.  I would recommend that you not go with what other girls your size have selected, but what size boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.Going from an A to C cup may be possible without looking fake in a 5'5", 104 lb female.   This will largely be determined by chest wall width.  If the chest wall is large enough, a 400 cc implant is probably large enough to increase you 2 cup sizes.In general, in an average sized woman, 200 cc may increase cup size by one.  Therefore, 300 cc would increase cup size by 1.5. If you reach an impasse, trust the wisdom and experience of your plastic surgeon in making the final decision.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello,Thank you for your question. 300cc may be a good rough guess but in order to truly know what sizes fit you proportionately and will achieve the look you are after you will need an in-person exam. Be sure to seek a board certified Plastic Surgeon who specialises in this area. Based on your breast measurements, your existing tissue and your stated goals, your surgeon can select a few similar implants for you to choose from. My patients find it helpful to try on the implant sizers with a form-fitting T-Shirt in order to get an idea of how they will look. All the best

Thank you for your question.  Decisions regarding size are best addressed during an in-person consultation at which time a patient would be examined, encouraged to try on implants and if available view computer assisted imaging.  My advice is to avoid comparing sizes of other women given that there is much variation in body shape.  Best to seek care with a board certified plastic surgeon who will guide you regarding your particular circumstances.  Best of luck.