Is 550cc too big? (Photo)

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid
silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only
into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort
or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try
on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of
how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the
look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying
on implant sizers.

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 and restorative breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Sizing for BA is certainly tricky.  It's dependent on a number of factors including the size and shape of your chest wall, volume of pre-op breast tissue, skin elasticity, muscle thickness, etc.  Just looking at your pictures, I would guess that a 500cc implant would be pretty big on you -- likely bigger than pregnancy breasts.  I use an augmented reality breast visualization software to pick a post-op size in my office called Illusio.  Ask your PS if they have any imaging tools.  Good luck.

size is a personal choice.  the correct implant shape needs to be based on measurements of your breast and chestChoosing your breast #implantsize , implant
shape and profile

It's important to know what size bra you
currently wear. Is it a 32, 34, 36 bra, and, of course, the cup size. The strap
size is important to know because that affects the diameter of the cup and
subsequently the diameter of the breast implant that we choose. We also need to
know your height, your weight, and it's helpful to know your dress size as
well.

In addition, it would be very helpful if you
include photos of yourself. A front view, a side view, and a three-quarter view
are most helpful. This will let us see if there are any breast asymmetries, if
the breasts are narrow, if the breasts are wide, what your chest wall looks
like, and this will also help us make a decision as to the best size breast
implant for you.

In my experience in general, if a woman wears a
size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that
women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of
approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's
wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a
smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of
approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a
double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she
would only require about 250 to 300 cc.

This is a general number, and of course there
are other factors that will affect this. For example, if she has a chest wall
issue where the chest is slightly sunken, this is called a pectus deformity,
then she would require a little bit more volume to first bring her chest to a
level position and then move forward to the projection of a C cup. This may
require implants of about 50cc more. It's important to examine the patient and
have complete information to make this decision. breast implant
size1.32 a to 32 c
needs about 250-275 cc

2.34a to 34c
needs about 300-350 cc

3.36a to 36 c
needs about 350-400 cc

4.You will be a
double dd or larger with 400

Hello,This is a very common question women have on Realself, and the answers are always the same:1. No one can tell you what's the right size for you without an in person, physical examination.2. Breast width diameter is not the only, or most important measurement for proper anatomical analysis, or biodimensional planning, to determine the correct implant size.3. NO ONE CAN GUARANTEE CUP SIZE. It's not just Victoria Secrets, its all bras; cup sizing is not an accurate measurement of breast size . There are better ways of determining and communicating your desired appearance. 4. Your aesthetic goal should not overrule your anatomical limitations. Best of luck!

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. Everyone has a different idea of what "too big" is. My patients find it helpful to try on the implant sizers in the office with a form fitting t-shirt in order to get an idea of what they will look like. It is true, bra manufacturers have no standard for creating their sizes and it isn't possible to guarantee you a cup size. I suggest that you go with the implant which feels/looks best to you.Take care

550cc breast implants are considered large implants, and will likely produce the "augmented look" that you desire.  You need to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon during a live consultation.

Thank you for your question.
Before you make your final decision on size and shape of implants I would
suggest that you meet again with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon again and
go over your concerns and why you feel a specific implant would give you the
results you desire. Your surgeon should be able to explain to you why they are
recommending the size they are according to your current breast measurements
including your chest width and your desired outcome. Your Surgeon should
be able to advise you thoroughly on your options.
We have all our Breast Augmentation patients not
only utilize our 3D imaging so they can get a real visual on what the implants
will look like on them but also to actually try on the different size implants
with a tight bra and t-shirt to see what they might expect. That way they have
a good visual of what a 450cc implant will do as opposed to a 350cc implant for
example. You want to make sure that you see a surgeon that will listen to you
and your goals for the procedure and discuss in detail their recommendation for
size and shape not only taking into consideration your desired outcome but also
your breast measurements before the procedure including your chest dimensions.
And then let you try the implants that they feel will give you the desired
result so you are in agreement with the size.Most
important is to pick a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - Certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery. It can be hard and confusing for consumers
when a physician may tell you they are Board Certified. Make sure it is Board
Certified in Plastic Surgery as many Physicians are certified but it is in
another area such as Dermatology, Gynecology, ENT, or some other specialty that
does not have the years of training and Certification in Plastic Surgery
required to be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Rather than finding a non-certified surgeon that may give you better pricing it
can be helpful to find a newer Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that has years
of experience in training and surgery-required to become Board Certified in
Plastic Surgery but is newer in practice. They have the latest up to date
training and highest standards as currently set by the newest technology and
are able to pass on to the consumer much better pricing for Breast
Augmentation. The manufacturers of the breast implants encourage and assist the
newer Certified Plastic Surgeons by giving them special pricing on implants
which most will pass on to you, the consumer. Check for special pricing here on
RealSelf and make sure the surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and you
may find the perfect Plastic Surgeon for you who is able to work with your
budget without cutting corners!

You want the base plate of the implant to approximate that of your breast. I would return to your plastic surgeon who has examined you and ask him/her that question. Breast augmentation cannot guarantee cup size as there are no standards for cup size.

It would be really helpful to have a full consultation with a full set of breast measurements taken. Using this information, your plastic surgeon can help you chose the appropriate implants and the " look" you are going for and advise you on other adjunctive procedures (mastopexy or "lift: may be necessary) to give you your desired look. There is no ideal correlation with volume of an implant and "cup size" due to many variables including the patient current breast volume and breast shape.

Dear Ms. Errokaa, Thank you for your story, questions and photos. Breast volume (size) is very personal decision. Nothing substitutes for a personal evaluation and a face to face discussion of your options. Many factors need to be taken into consideration than just your desired breast volume.There are many decisions both you and your Plastic Surgeon need to make.Your final decisions should be based on personal consult with a Bd. Cert. Plastic Surgeon who will examine you and go over that which is best for you.  Unfortunately without a exam of your tissue and measurements I can give you general information that I hope you find helpful.The following are some of the topics you may want to discuss and why. General overview of your choices and discussion points:IMPLANTS 1) normal saline fill vs silicone gel fill2) profile: low profile to high profile (choice based on chest measurements)3) shape: form stable vs roundPLACEMENT OF IMPLANTS1) sub pectoral, dual plane + less chance for internal scarring (capsular contracture) + padding from the muscle therefore less chance of implant palpability (rippling) - varying degree of animation upon pectorals major contraction ( breasts moving) - longer immediate recovery2) supra pectoral + in borderline ptosis (breast sag) can provide alternative need for mastopexy + faster immediate recovery - increase chance of internal scarring (capsular contracture - increase potential for breast implant palpability (rippling)ACCESS INCISION1) periarolar2) inframammary3) axillaryBREAST MOUND1) symmetrical 2) equal size3) breast fold locationNIPPLE/AREOLAR POSTION1) normal 2) high3) low4) symmetrical 5) too largeSKIN QUALITY1) stretch marks2) thin skin3) elasticity SIZINGis a very personal choice1)implants come in "cc" sizes not cup sizes2) 30 cc = 1 ounce3) purchase a full bodied, non padded bra and take a nylon stocking and fill until you reach the desired size you desire....measure the volume using a measuring cup and convert to cc's.4) If implants placed under the muscle I usually recommend adding 10% to measured volume to compensate for the flattening affect of the subpectoral placement COMPANIESI personally choose the company that the breast implant base measurements and match to the patients chest measurements. Sientra only makes Silicone Gel filled implants. Ideal only makes Normal Saline implants (with internal baffles). Allergan and Mentor make both silicone gel and Normal Saline filled implants.1)Allergan2)Mentor3)Sientra4)IdealPlease bring several model photos of your desired breast appearance and a list of questions to your consultative appointment and I trust that your Plastic Surgeon is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).Best wishes,Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600