Implant Sizing. Do you think 520cc would be too big?

Breast implants are sized according to their volume in cubic centimeters (cc).

How do you know what size implant to choose? Looking at pictures and talking to friends who had a breast augmentation might help.

Off course the volume will depend on the shape and size of your actual breasts, your frame and the size you want to achieve.

Our plastic surgeon will advise you thoroughly. Bringing pictures of a desired restult to be shown to our surgeon, might be very helpful.

None of the modalities to approximate final results from breast implants are 100% accurate; they merely facilitate the patient and the board certified PS concurring on the size, profile, and type of breast implant which will come the closest to reaching the patient's goal.
My patients prefer to try on implant sizers under garments they typically wear (workout tops, bikini, tight sweater, low cut dress) to determine if they fit as expected and help allay some of their trepidation associated with this decision. I would recommend that you return to your board certified plastic surgeon's office to try on 520cc implant sizers to see if they fit your anatomy and boost your self esteem. A very general estimate is that one cup size is 150 to 200 cc of volume, but realize that no direct correlation exists between the two. You may not notice the 70cc increase from 450 to 520.

Good morning,
520cc doesn't seem too big to me- you have nice breasts now and you should look spectacular with a lift and 520cc's!

Dear ATattooedMama,
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

Your breasts are much too low on the chest wall. More important than implant size is the lift. 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. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years. Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I think you are starting from an excellent position and should anticipate a nice result.  Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. 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.  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. That said 520cc implants are quite large and your breast demonstrate a good amount of stretch marks that may result in premature sagging due to their weight. Best wishes!

The ideal ​Implant size cannot be determined by height and weight alone. It is best to have an in-office evaluation so that careful measurements can be taken to determine the best size implant for your chest diameter, several upper body measurements, and current breast tissue. Once you have the measurements, they are all put together to determine the right implant from the right manufacturer. Breast implants of the same cc's can look and feel extremely different depending on the profile and material. In my office, I have the MENTOR breast implant sizing system where different size molds are used to simulate how you appear in your own clothes and help finalize your decision. In general when picking between two sizes that you both like, I recommend going with the larger implant. Patients are often let down and regret it when they go with the smaller. Hope this helps!


Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon​

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. or the type of implant. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing suit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

I am not a fan of large heavy implants that will thin your tissue over time and sag. Just based on your photos, you do need a lift. I would suggest not going over 450 cc's. Long term, the large implants will be heavy on your neck and shoulders and sag.

You should ask whether your size or your shape bothers you more and address the more bothersome one first. If you want really large implants, it is wise IMO to do them first as they will dramatically stretch the breasts until 4 months of healing. To combine a breast lift at the same time as a large implant is asking for increased risks because the lift is a tightening procedure. In what situation would you want to dramatically tighten and stretch something and hope all will be perfect? Same thing here.