Do I choose 375cc or 400cc silicone implant? (Photos)

It is just about impossible to discern visually the difference between a 375 cc and 400 cc implant once implanted in the breast. both for patients and for experienced plastic surgeons. In fact, one simply cannot tell what implant size is ever in any given patient just by looking at them. One way for you to answer this question for yourself, however, is to ask which of the following outcomes are you more worried about, being made too big, or not big enough? Based on your own answer to that question, you will have a pretty good idea of which implant might be better for you. That being said, it is best to look at plenty of Before and After galleries, ideally those of your surgeon< and let him or her know what your concept of ideal happens to be. Let those photos guide your surgeon in his or her decision making in surgery to select the implant that most closely gets you the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Nevertheless, without a physical examination it is difficult to respond with accuracy, but as mentioned above, the best way to determine which breast implant size is best for you is by first finding out your specific wishes not only with words or letters as in cup size or “not too big” or “natural”, but also with a visual understanding of what you hope to look like. This can be accomplished either with photographs of patients whose breasts and body type look like you, or ideally with photos of patients not only whose breasts are similar to yours, but are also a similar height, weight, and pre-operative breast size. In our own practice we have provided that unique functionality on our website to accomplish exactly that. 





Unfortunately the most common reason for a woman to be unhappy after her augmentation is feeling as though she is either too big or not big enough. Thankfully, in our practice this is rarely a problem because implant size selection is what we spend most of our time discussing and determining. I do not place the onus of selecting the breast implant size on my patients since they are coming to me for my advice and expertise, but I do ask my patients to be as specific as possible about their aesthetic goals and I then advise them accordingly.





Implants vary in width, projection and volume. This can be very confusing to women, who are used to discussing one number only such as “300 cc’s”. To better understand which implant is best for you, in our consultation room we have two shelves one above the other, each with four implants.  The top shelf has all the implants with exactly the same width (12.5 cm), yet the less projecting implant with that width is a 275 cc Moderate or Classic, and the most projecting is a 590 cc Ultra High Profile. On the lower shelf, all of the implants are 300 cc implants, yet the less projecting implant has a width or diameter of 12.8 cm, and the most projecting of the 300 cc implants is the Ultra High Profile which has a 9.7 cm diameter. 





Once it is determined which implant width or diameter would best fit you, the next step is to decide which what sort of look you are hoping to achieve, i.e. more projection, moderate, or least. This is determined by how much breast tissue you have naturally, and how large you ultimately wish to be. All of this would be discussed during your consultation. And don’t be shy about coming prepared with images which you feel best represent your desired end point. These can be determined by visiting our gallery, or any other photos you wish to bring. The advantage of using our gallery is that all of the relevant information about patient age, implant size and type, are clearly indicated. 





If you are confident with your selection of plastic surgeon, you should be all set. If you are not sure, I would advise you to seek a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast enhancement surgery and make sure that your own sense of aesthetics aligns with that of your plastic surgeon. Your idea of “natural” or “pretty” or “proportionate” might be different from your plastic surgeon’s and it is very important for you to feel confident that you are both of like minds as far as the goals. Best of luck to you and I hope you are successful in achieving the enhancement you are seeking. 

Thanks for the question. After having analyzed all the information and photos provided to us, I recommend you  silicone implants such as the "Cohesive Gel - Silicone Breast Implants" with textured cover ("gummy bear implants") They are quite safe and aesthetically best as they give a firmer consistency, better projection and natural appearance.Kind regards 

Thank you for your question. Size is a critical question for many women who choose breast augmentation.  The common denominator to the most beautiful breasts is that they were sized objectively on the basis of measurements.  We combine a proven formula based on measurements of the rests and chest along with through discussions of patient's desires.  Photos of ideal breasts and results from patients with similar breasts are often very helpful in the discussion.  The key is to work with a Board Certified plastic surgeon with expertise and experience in breast augmentation.

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon, they are in the best position to ensure that the implants the two of your decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations.  It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like but 375-400cc implants will likely get you closer to a D or DD cup size.  Best wishes!

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for a breast
augmentation.  The size of the implant is based on your desired
breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue
quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion
with equal input from both you and your surgeon.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

375-400cc is more than sufficient for a C cup.  Given the breast tissue you already have, you may be closer to a D cup.  At this size I would consider a high profile implant rather than a moderate plus.  Best wishes, Dr T

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



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute



#RealSelf100Surgeon



#RealSelfCORESurgeon

There are many steps I take to ensure that patients get the perfect breast size from their breast augmentation.  To date I have never had to revise implant size!  I do several things to customize my patient's breast augmentation. I really like  to have patients use some flour in a baggy that they stuff in a bra and see how they like the look.  They can play around putting more or less, then measure the volume in a measuring cup. I also ask patients to bring photos of breasts that they want as well as breasts that are slightly too big and slightly too small.  The more information I have from patients the better I can customize their breast augmentation.  I use these photos to make sure that the result I give them matches their goals.At the office we try different implants.  This is best done with a bra without padding a a form fitting but not overly tight shirt. This really helps to get narrow down the perfect breast size as patients get a chance to see nearly exactly what they could look like in a tight outfit.I also bring sizers to the operating room and a few different implant choices.  By doing so I can put an exact replica of the implant in and then compare it to a different implant replica to see which gives the perfect breast augmentation. It takes me a bit more time for sure.  However, I am not trying to be the fastest surgeon, I am trying to be the best plastic surgeon and provide my patients with the best breast augmentation result.

It sounds like you have effectively narrowed down your choices.  Keep in mind the difference between 375 and 400 is

Great question. I believe you will look great with a 375/400cc Moderate Plus Profile. You will be more than thrilled. After surgery you will be swollen and look bigger than you actually will be! Give them time to heal and settle and you will get a great result. Good luck!