Will 80 cc's increase make a drastic change in size? (photos)

Question

I had my breast augmentation March 23 and am 3 weeks post op. I feel as if my breast are too small. My surgeon is confident that I will like the size in 3-4 months but I'm looking at the implants and they seem smaller than I wanted. I currently am 325/400 cc and he says that if we revise he can fill my currents to 410/480 but I don't know if that will make a true difference. I've attached my breast vs my desired outcome

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Charlie,Thanks for your question and photos. If you feel your breast as too small, then they are too small. It does not matter what I say or your plastic surgeon, the outcome should be what you want and not what WE think. 80cc's does not make a cup size change usually it takes at least 100-150cc to make a cup size change based on your chest width. As your implants settle the bottom increases but the overall size decreases. Again, you size taste is yours and not a surgeons but we give recommendations based on your bodies anatomy as what will look good and not damage your tissues. I recommend being evaluated by Vectra, out 3D program that can show size differences based on CC's. Good luck.All the best,Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,At 3 weeks post op there is still a significant amount of pressure/tightness in the breasts which can compress and displace the volume. You are likely to see more of the "drop and fluff" effect over the next 3-4 months. I recommend that you wait until 6 months post op to evaluate your size and results.All the best

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Stop making judgements too early, planning future surgeries. The last thing you want is a hastily planned surgery creating new problems.  Another issue is your surgeons willingness to over fill you saline implants by so much.  This will lead to very hard, spherical shaped implants that are much more likely to cause tissue atrophy, stretch, and rippling. Your current implants look about as wide as they can be on your chest, and their projection will improve as you drop and fluff over the next few months. Best of luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! You are still early post-procedure. Your appearance looks typical at this stage and will continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the implants continue to settle into their desired position. This usually proceeds over the next several weeks to months as the lower pole skin/breast stretches to accommodate the implants. Usually, final results will be seen 4-6 months postop, especially with the apparent lift that you had done on one breast.  Follow-up closely with your surgeon for additional restrictions/instructions and the potential use of bras/garments or massage that may encourage the implant to settle appropriately.  It is not uncommon for one breast to settle more quickly than the other due to swelling, dissection, or muscle tightness.  A surgical procedure may be necessary to further open the pocket and exchange/revision.  It sounds as if you have saline implants. I doubt 80cc will likely make a very appreciable difference and consideration for a higher profile implant will likely be needed to meet your goals. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing. You appear to be doing well at this juncture. Breast implants have different effects on the envelope and not all tissues can readily handle very larger volumes without other issues developing (potential for thinning, bottoming out, and overstretching). See your PS to discuss your options. Best wishes.

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Having clear goals before surgery is the best way to avoid dissatisfaction after surgery.  Many times a patient can receive exactly what they desired but the skin in the early stage after surgery is still quite tight.  This can make the breasts seem small and flat.  As the skin begins to relax and stretch the shape improves.  Depending upon the elasticity and size change this can take several weeks to months.  In my practice I would advise a patient to wait at least 3 months before making a judgement.  During this time the skin will stretch and relax and the shape improve.  If a patient is still dissatisfied, then they can still proceed with enlargement.  I think your surgeon's advice is valid and recommend you consider giving this time to improve.  Good luck.

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post and your accompanying photos.  I would echo your surgeon's recommendation and I suspect others will agree.  It is far too early to assess your results in terms of shape, symmetry, AND size.  The implants will take 3-6 months to settle into position. The upper pole with soften and the lower pole will fill out more.  At that point, you can make a much more faithful evaluation of your result.  If at that point you are still interested in upsizing, I think it would of course be reasonable to proceed.  As far as how much volume to increase to be "noticeable" this will largery depend on the specifics of your anatomy as well as the implant profile.  Generally speaking I think an upsize of at least 20-25% is probably necessary to appreciate any significant difference.  This is a general guideline based on experience and not on any scientific metric.  In your case that would mean an upsize to 410/480 would absolutely be in the ballpark if not a little bit on the conservative side.  For now, however, just focus on your recovery and do your best to remain patient! Hope this helps and good luck!

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I do feel it is too early for you to really know if you will be happy or not. Over 3 months the implants will settle. You may then like your shape and size much better. Being that said my opinion is that once implants settle they look smaller. I do not feel that 80cc's will take you from where you are to what your wish pictures look like. You will most likely need much more volume. It is hard for me to say looking at your picture what that means. I am happy to see you anytime if I can help you out. Best of luck. Dr. Rick

Frederick K. Park, MD · Answer

Thank for your question and photos.As you can see, waiting for the implants to settle over a few months to see what your final shape and perception of the size will be, is recommended by almost all plastic surgeons.The reason for this is that there are definite changes that happen over time and it is the final, stable result that should be considered in relation to your original goals. Your perception of your implants on your body may also go through some adjustments over time as well.General changes that happen regularly include settling of the implants, a stretching out of the soft tissues on the bottom of the breast, reduction in swelling and decreased prominence in the upper breast.I do believe that 80 ccs added to each implant will give you a noticeable difference. But whether this difference is going to achieve your goals is the question. It may be that with just maturation of the process you will be satisfied without any changes. Or it may be that 80 ccs, although a visible difference, will not be enough to reach your goal. It is just a little early to be making this judgement but when the time comes, your surgeon will help you with options if you are not satisfied with your size.Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in your healing stage and need to give yourself time to heal, let the swelling subside, and the implants settle. Only after that can your truly evaluate your size. Adding another 80 cc's will increase your volume some, but not a cup size. Remember, this is the size that you and your surgeon selected. Please discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

Will 80 cc's increase make a drastic change in size? (photos)

Answers (14)

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