100 cc vs 125 cc - for lean petite frame? (photo)

a lower profile implant, low plus or moderate, with a volume that matches your base width would be the most natural option.

I will start by saying that breast width diameter (BWD) is a fairly subjective measurement and you would likely have three different measurements from three different surgeons. BWD is definitely one of the measurements that help guide implant selection but there are multiple variables to consider including, patient goals, breast volume and skin laxity when making a decision about implant size. In your case I can see you have a slender frame with fairly deflated breast but 9.5 BWD seems like the lower range of what I would measure on someone who is 5'5. 100-125cc is a very small implant and I don't think it will appropriately fill out your skin envelope.
1) I personally would choose an implant closer to your true BWD of 9.5 and go with a moderate profile to achieve a more natural look. 2) Loose skin is likely after implant removal but a lift is only required if it is something that bothers you.
Lastly when you consult with a surgeon I would ask about implant placement location and cohesivity of the implant. A subglandular implant placement on someone with minimal breast tissue is likely to show rippling of the implant. I would consider submuscular or subfacial placement with a highly cohesive implant to minimize this risk.
Best of luck with your breast augmentation!

Personally, I think that a moderate plus is a better implant for a natural result. However, I would encourage you to go a bit larger as I think a 150-175cc implant would serve you better. Good luck!

You write "very natural" as being a goal, but state you want over the muscle--for lean and fit patients like you who want a natural result, I typically suggest subfascial augmentation as it provides a more natural upper pole to the breast (you don't see the upper edge of the implant as much). Secondly, for natural results I typically recommend matching base width to the diameter of the implant as closely as possible.

You will probably not notice much of a volume difference between 100 and 125cc, nor will there likely be a big difference in the amount of loose skin should you have the implants removed. 25cc is less than a fluid ounce in volume! You should go through a sizing process to try on different volumes, though, and see what you like the look and feel of on your body. The profile of the implant is then determined by your measurements and the amount of volume you like.

Determining the optimal implant size is not feasible solely based on the information you've provided. Various additional factors, such as tissue thickness, tissue stretching, the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold, etc., must be evaluated. It is advisable to use a sizer, a temporary implant, during surgery to accurately determine the final implant size. The distinction between 100cc and 125cc is minimal, and it is unlikely to result in significant differences in skin stretching.

Dear Intellectual636854,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The two measurements which are most important in determining which implants will fit your breast are, how wide your breast is and what is the distance from your nipple down to your fold under stretch. Implants, which are much smaller than these dimensions will not fill out the envelope of skin, and you will have a loose skin. Implants which are much larger than these dimensions will simply overpower the breast, and it will not look like a natural breast. The implants that you are considering are close in dimensional measurements, and there would likely be minimal differences visually in your result. You presently do not have any ptosis, and therefore, if you were to remove the implants in the future, unless you had gained a great deal of weight and stretched out your skin, you would not likely need a lift after removal. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question and photos. An examination in person would be required to precisely and specifically advise you, however a 25 cc difference in volume is minimal and the best way to answer the question for yourself is to ask yourself which is a preference on your part, “slightly bigger” or “slightly smaller”. I suggest you review photos of “favorites” and share those images with your surgeon such that he or she knows what your desired endpoint is. Then, in surgery, your surgeon makes the final decision. When I perform breast augmentation I always have a size up or down to be sure I can achieve the optimal outcome for my patient. Best of luck to you.

If you are already considering a removal, perhaps you do not really want implants. I would suggest considering 125 to 175 cc's for a better fill and going behind the muscle for a more smooth look.

If you are wanting a very natural result you may want to consider placing the implants under the muscle. This helps to disguise the upper portion of the implant which is particularly helpful on patients with thin frames and provides a more natural look. As to the difference in the implants you mentioned, there won't be a big difference visually but your surgeon can help with the implant that fits the breast space best. Sizers can be used during surgery and can help with correct implant selection.