I have naturally large breasts but am interested in implants - which size will help me achieve projection? (photo)

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. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

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

The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you. During this visit your surgeon will take measurements of your breasts (this is different that bra sizing) and discuss your surgical goals with you. A range of implants can be recommended for you based on this information and her/his expertise. The implants you mentioned are very large and would be very heavy. This would need to be taken into account as well. I've included a video about this process I hope you find helpful.

Picking the correct size implant is much like picking the correct size shoe for a foot. If you do not pick the correct size, you can have serious complications related to your breast implant surgery. Based on your photo, I would recommend performing a breast lift only and avoiding the implants completely as you already have a large amount of native breast tissue. We can use this breast tissue to your advantage and create an aesthetically pleasing breast mound. If you wish to have implants placed later (1 year), that would make the surgery much more predictable. I would highly recommend finding a highly trained aesthetic plastic surgeon (preferably 6 years of dedicated plastic surgery residency and 1 year of aesthetic fellowship). Best of luck!

Dear Beautiful771430,
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

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question. Looking at the photo you have provided I would suggest a breast augmentation with a breast lift. You have a bit of a droop to the breast and by adding an implant you would potentially look a bit more droopy. I would also suggest a silicone gel high profile implant placed under the muscle. This will allow your Surgeon to help with upper pole firmness, projection and better shape to the breast. In regards to how many cc's to be placed that varies on a few factors. Nipple to crease distance, width of the breast and size of the breast are a few. I would suggest speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options, concerns and make a surgical plan. Best of luck to you.

Please do not chose implants that large!! They will be too heavy for your frame and tissue and just cause more sagging with time. You need a lift and could consider small implants, like 250 cc's, to be placed behind the muscle for better upper breast fullness. Don't try to avoid the lift by selecting large implants. Long term, it never works.

Greetings,
I would strongly recommend that you seek out the guidance of experienced cosmetic breast plastic surgeons for opinions and to discuss treatment options. You may benefit from more than one consultation.
There is a balance to be reached meeting your desires and expectations. With a mastopexy alone or with a lift and a small implant there are distinct benefits and risks. These different procedures are difficult to choose between with just a photo, both for you and your surgeon.
Best Regards,