Breast implants for a 13 CM - 13.5 CM: What is the biggest I can go? (Photos)

Hello,There is more to objective tissue measurements than breast width. Unfortunately, most patients and many practitioners don't realize this. Determining maximum anatomic capacity is dependent on dynamic measurements too, including nipple to fold on maximum stretch. If that distance is too short, you risk having your nipples positioned low on the breast mound. The sad reality is that board certification is still a low bar for excellence in cosmetic plastic surgery. Extensive experience and reputation are even more important. 

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast augmentations to determine what is best for you and your goals.
Proper breast enlargement is not a ""cookie-cutter"" procedure where the same technique is applied to every patient. Every woman who comes to my practice has unique needs and different goals for her breast augmentation. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I always listen carefully to each woman's concerns and thoroughly discuss the key points of the procedure. I also take into account their overall height and weight, the size and shape of the underlying chest and ribcage, the tightness and elasticity of the skin, and the amount of natural breast tissue. Prior to the procedure, we discuss and make decisions regarding location of the incision, whether to place the implant under or over the chest muscle, and what type of implant to use (I offer multiple types of silicone gel breast implants, as well as saline implants).
My experience performing thousands of aesthetic breast surgeries in a wide anatomical range of patients enables me to achieve consistently beautiful and natural results that are customized to each patient’s body type and goals. These results are the product of extensive communication, meticulous planning, and skillfully executed surgery.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Augmentation surgeries. - Dr. Cohen

Have another preliminary conversation with your PS and ask to  try on a profile bra with silicone moderate 520 and 560 cc sizers under a tailored blouse, tight sweater, swimsuit, workout clothes, tank tops, and other garments you typically wear so that you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected. If your skin envelope can handle the larger implant, you should be fine as long as you realize there are some downsides such as sagging and/or thinning skin of the breast, rippling, and additional weight on the shoulders. I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy. 

The difference is small, a little over 2 tablespoons. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women with similar measurements with different size breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author          
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Dear Kytsa666,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

There are limits to the size of implant that can be placed based on the soft tissue characteristics and its ability to stretch. I still believe that it is best for patients to focus more on the desired result which can be expressed in a photo that represents the size they desire, and NOT the cc. volume of implant. Review sample photos (and there are many on Realself) and then discuss your desires with your surgeon. It may very likely be a situation where he will place the largest implant that is possible without distorting your natural shape and dimensions. Please select a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons).

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.  
 There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to diameter of breast implant versus diameter of breast (band width). In other words, these measurements are useful but are only one of the many factors come into play when it comes to selection of appropriate breast implant size/profile.  Remember that plastic surgical procedures are both art and science;  different plastic surgeons will have different techniques and sense of "artistry".
Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
 Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “natural or proportionate” or "D or DD cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.

We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind