Is 25 cc enough to make a difference in size in a breast augmentation? How do I approach my surgeon with my concerns about size?

Question

I had BA today(switched implants for bigger size bc they lost volume w/age)and to correct capsulure contracture and unevenness in size from 14yrs ago.I had an unkown size since I was so young when I originally got them and wanted 350cc.I'm 115 lbs.Apparently I had 275 and was only bumped up to 300cc (I was completely flat chested before), which even w/swelling has not increased my bra size.Also, the assymettry wasn't corrected.I'm depressed that I wasted this $.I wouldn't have done it for 25 cc.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to determine the best size 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 implant
 #breastimplant

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

A small change in CC's may not be drastic enough to notice a significant size increase. Depending on the reason for the breast revision determines the sizing outcome. However, there are no guarantees with size predictions for revisions. Initially, 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. 
Other factors which contribute to the outcome are #size, #shape, and #profile.  The #profile is determined by the amount of #projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the #size of the implant and size of your chest. Also, the placement or incision location will also have an effect on profile. Another element to a satisfying result of your #augmentation is realistic #expectations.  Your Plastic Surgeon needs to measure you and determine the best shape and size of any implants that are used.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Several general thoughts may be helpful to you. As you may know, 25 cc difference in volume of breast implant is probably not clinically noticeable. Also, given that your operation was done very recently, it is much too early to evaluate the outcome of the procedure when it comes to size/and or symmetry concerns. Best to evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed several months from now. At 3 to 6 months postoperatively, if you remain displeased with the outcome of the procedure, best to address your concerns with your plastic surgeon in a calm and constructive fashion. Hopefully, working together, you will be able to formulate a plan to best achieve your goals.As you have learned, and for the sake of future patients considering breast surgery, careful  preoperative communication of goals  between patient and plastic surgeon are one of the “key to success”. Best wishes.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are a lot of variables in determining the best size implants, especially in your case: For one, implants usually either deflate or not; they don't lose volume. It sounds also like there was some misinformation about what size you had. With capsular contracture, the scar capsule is removed which also makes a size decision tricky. And bra size is a very non-scientific and inconsistent way to measure breast volume. And finally, no one has perfect symmetry. With all of these factors, the need for some fine-tuning is not uncommon but an additional 25 cc would not likely have made a significant difference.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

The question of implant size and volume is one I counsel daily with prospective patients. Assuming the implant content, model, are all the same, then the answer is no. 25cc is less than two tablespoons and really is not going to offer a visible difference.A bit more information to guide understanding. First, silicone volume may appear smaller than saline. Assuming implants are the same size, the implant profile can also impact the perceived size/look. Additionally, manufacturer implant dimensions may also play a role. It is still early in your recovery. I would encourage you to let the healing process continue and reengage with your surgeon.

Is 25 cc enough to make a difference in size in a breast augmentation? How do I approach my surgeon with my concerns about size?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant size, symmetry and capsular contracture

Answer: Implant size, symmetry and capsular contracture

Answer: 25cc implant volume increase unlikely to result in noticeable difference

Answer: 25cc implant volume increase unlikely to result in noticeable difference

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is 25 cc enough to make a difference in size in a breast augmentation? How do I approach my surgeon with my concerns about size?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant size, symmetry and capsular contracture

Answer: Implant size, symmetry and capsular contracture

Answer: 25cc implant volume increase unlikely to result in noticeable difference

Answer: 25cc implant volume increase unlikely to result in noticeable difference

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.