I'm 38 years old and 5 '1". I'm 126 lbs and going to have breast surgery. Would 425cc implants be too big for my frame?

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. You should also be aware that results of surgery can change in the future with significant weight change and/or stretching of skin from the milk of pregnancy. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi there, thank you for your question. According to the measurements that you wrote, you are very petite and I think that implants around 360 cc will be natural for your frame. But, it's up to you to go for a natural or big size. Good luck!

Thank you for your question. Your height and weight are not sufficient parameters to determine the correct size of the breast implants. Many factors influence the volume and shape and position of the implants, such has quality of the skin, position of the nipple, width of the breast, amount of existing breast tissue, to mention just a few.

All this parameters have to be assessed in order to decide the best way forward and the final volume.

Hope this helps.

Best of Luck.
Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
Manchester and London, United Kingdom

Hi there. It is very important that you are active during the process of choosing which implant size is placed in you. If you have tried on sizers numerous times, like the volume and your surgeon has determined that the implant will safely fit your breast measurements, then 425cc is the implant for you. Breast augmentation is personal. The surgeon and staff is there to safely guide you and help assure that your choices are matching up with your goals. In my clinic, 400cc ranged implants are commonly placed in people with your body habitus.

Thank you for your question.  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. I would recommend seeing a series of ASPS board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you 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.  Best wishes!

Dear Resourceful269891,
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

Hello, thank you for your question. It is hard to tell without proper photos or a physical examination. A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to guide you to the correct size implant. Based upon measurements of your chest wall and breast imprint width as well as knowledge of all breast implant sizes and profiles should make this process easy. Try on a profile bra with various silicone cc sizers your PS recommends under a tailored blouse, tank top, bikini, workout clothes, and other garments you typically wear so that you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected. Select the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy. Choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision.

Measurements are needed to know what range of sizes best fits your frame and tissue. However, 425 cc implants will be heavy on your neck and shoulders. I recommend going somewhat smaller, maybe 375 cc's.