Is 480cc UHP too big for me? (Photo)

Hello,I tell my patients to try not to focus on bra cup sizes but instead, your Plastic Surgeon's recommendations and they way you feel about the implant sizers when you have them on. Bra cup sizing is not standardized- it can vary a ton and there is no way for us to predict what size you will be. Instead, I recommend that you discuss with your Plastic Surgeon what is proportional and appropriate for your frame and then choose out of those the ones that you like the best.Take care

Hello, usually 480cc implants are on the large side for a petite, small breasted person.  However, your best source of information will be your plastic surgeon, since they have actually examined your breasts and taken measurements.

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 you voice your concerns with your surgeon, they are in the best position to ensure that the implants the two of your 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!

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you 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.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should
choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in
this decision.

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

Thank you for your photos and questions. Selecting the appropriate breast implant size requires an examination so your surgeon is the only one who can advise you in that regard. The surgeon can tell you if an implant is too large for your body based on the dimensions of your chest and breasts and there will be a range of breast implant sizes and shapes that can potentially fit. You do not have to get the biggest implants that fit. You can choose to go smaller. Looking at pictures of other women is not particularly useful to determine what breast implant is good for you. Express your concerns to your surgeon so you can both feel good about the final decision and good luck!

Hi and thanks for your question. This is probably the most common thing our patients ask us a kit their breast augmentation procedure. Your personal breast anatomy is the most important factor to consider when choosing your implants. It's your surgeons job to assess this for you. One thing for you to consider is to find a practice that has a Vectra 3D imaging system. We use this to show our patients what they will look like with diffenet sizes and styles of implants. This is a great way to help you feel confident that you will get the type of look you are hoping for. Dr West

There is no replacement for an in person exam to give proper recommendations to you. Having said that, there are many variables to consider when choosing a breast implant. You have one chance to have your first breast surgery so you are smart to ask questions. Your measurements play a critical role, specifically the measured base width of your breast and how much tissue stretch you have. If you choose an implant that is too wide you risk increased thinning on the sides of your breast and increased chance of implant palpability or rippling. Discuss your desires with a board-certified plastic surgeon so you can achieve the result you are hoping for.I hope this helps.Dr. Edwards

The best
cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a
variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, 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. 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 sit at a preoperative
visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The
cups of a 32 D and a 38 D are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. There is also no
direct correlation between an implant size or shape and resultant cup
size. A 480c UHP implant would be considered large for a 105 pound patient.

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

Thanks for your question and pictures.  I haven't examined you but that large of an implant will most likely give you at least a small D.  But again, haven't examined you.  Here is what I recommended to meet your needs:A detailed consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is important to establish your postoperative goals and determine what implant size and type would be best for you. In my practice I like to review different photos of my patients to establish what shape and volume they seem to like most. It is also very important to perform a detailed exam to evaluate the thickness of your breast tissue, skin tone and the dimensions of your chest. I like to have my patients try on sizers to get a feel for what they may look like and also appreciate how heavy the implants might feel. It is also useful to incorporate some additional 3-D imaging to get a sense for the subtle change between different implant types.The advice I give to my patients focuses on 3 key elements.1. Select a board certified plastic surgeon that you can communicate with comfortably to establish your desired look.2. Establish that your plastic surgeon has your best interest in mind and make sure that they can explain your procedure to you in a way that makes sense and makes you comfortable. I want my patients to walk out of my consults and feel like they “get it” with respect to their surgical plan. I want to make sure that my patients can understand what a specific implant may deliver in regard to their results. This is common when we are trying to determine the size a patient desires, and also whether or not to select a shaped highly cohesive implant compared to a round silicone gel or saline implant.3. Make sure that you understand what to expect in terms of your recovery and postoperative instructions. In my practice I give my patients additional instructions and tools to help them recover. In addition, I follow all of my patients closely after surgery and visit with them at 1 week and 3 weeks after surgery to make sure they are healing as expected. Cheers and Best Wishes!Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD

Thank you for the question. There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved.  Ultimately, 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.

Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.

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 "D 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 (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.