My plastic surgeon wants to place 330CC implants, is this too big? (photo)

Of course I cannot give you a definitive suggestion without an exam and personal discussion, BUT, yes, too big.  330 cc's without a lift will just make you look heavy and matronly and simply not good.  I suggest a full mastopexy (lift) with about 250 cc implants to achieve that upper pole fullness that we all like.  We never do a lift unless we absolutely have to but with your nipples at the bottom of your breast there are no other options.

Your PS might have suggested a good plan for you, IF that accomplishes what you desire to achieve.  Do you want to be a full cup size bigger? 330 cc implants will make you at least a cup size bigger on average.  There is asymmetry of the breasts with a larger, more ptotic (droopy) left breast, and the areolas appear enlarged on both sides.  I would take these concerns back to your PS, and discuss your goals, and make sure that your goals are aligned with your doctor's goals.  

    Implant size is really a personal decision and trying on sizers is recommended.  Is breast lift being performed at the same time?Kenneth Hughes, MD

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant 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.

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

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  I would further discuss sizing desires with your surgeon to review your goal result and to make sure the appropriate treatment is being made.  Based on your photo alone you would most benefit from a breast lift as you appear to have sufficient natural breast volume.  Hope this helps.

You should never be worried going into surgery that you won't get what you want.  IT takes a bit of effort but there is no reason that you and your surgeon can not be on the same page about your goals.  It would be awful to go through this and not be happy because you didn't figure out the perfect size ahead of time.I do a number of things to come to the perfect breast size for patients.  I have them show me photos of their goal breasts.  I have them use flour in a bag to simulate a breast augmentation.  I take careful measurements. And I bring a number of different sizers (exact replicas of the real implants) to see which implant will look the best.  Many may look good but one will look the best.  All this takes a bit more effort, but you are worth it.Talk to you surgeon again before proceeding.  Make sure you are comfortable.  This should be an exciting, not a fretful, event.

Thank you for the question and provided photo.  Your photograph shows you have a fair amount of breast tissue.  You also have some breast asymmetry regarding your breast volume and nipple/areola positioning.  You would best benefit a bilateral breast lift to address the nipple/areola asymmetry.  If so desired, an implant can help achieve and increase in overall breast volume, an increase in upper pole fullness, and assist in further improving breast asymmetry.  It is not uncommon to use different size and profile of implants to address breast asymmetry.  I would strongly encourage you to be re-evaluated or see another board certified plastic surgeon to get more comfortable with the planned implant to be used and why.  You should try in sizers, possibly use computer imaging, and reference multiple before and after photos.

I wish you the best,

Dr. Mooty

 Always a difficult choice whether to add implants  in at the same time as lifting the breast. You certainly require a breast lift but don't necessarily need implants. You should try to see if 330 mL of volume is something you want to  increase in your bra size. You can add rice to an old nylon stocking 300 mLs and place it inside your bra. Walk around with it for a while when you are at home and see if that's too big. Also maybe another consultation with your plastic surgeon would be prudent .

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be
achieved with an implant and a breast lift. Your nipple sits below the
inframammary fold and without a lift in addition to the implant, this will not
have a natural shape.  A breast lift with an implant can result in a very
nice shape if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape 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

Without the benefit of physical exam and good set of photos- it's difficult to comment accurately. Based on the limited photo you have provided- you appear to be a good candidate for a bilateral lift/mastopexy. And if you desire more volume/fullness-- smaller implants can be placed at the same time. Make sure you Surgeon is experienced and is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery.