Will 325 cc be too big? (photos)

Question

I'm 5'3, 127lbs 34A. I want natural looking boobs and I'm too afraid i will go too small or too big. My doctor said the biggest i could have is 325cc round, under the muscle HP. I have seen all the pictures and all the videos, some look perfect but some of them look too big and too fake, should i go smaller? i would like a C cup. Adding two photos of how they look right now.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34 A, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.  200 cc implants would take to a size C.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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 and type of breast implant which will come the closest (in your case, 325 cc) 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 go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy. It's unlikely that you will notice a difference in increments less than 100. Breast IMPLANT size has nothing to do with BRA cup size - which varies with each bra manufacturer. The average implant volume placed in the US is 350cc. 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.

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

325 cc is not a very big implant, but it would be best to try a sizer of similar size in a C cup bra and see what you think. You need to be examined in person to determine what would suit you best. When choosing an implant, the surgeon is guided by what the patient desires. It is then essential for the surgeon to examine you, take some measurements and recommend what would suit your body. You breast base diameter determines what size implant you can have and how big you can go, and yet look natural. Although, various morphing softwares can help give you an idea of what your augmented breasts might look like, it is important for you to try sizers in garments to help you get a 'real' 3D feel and also give you an idea as to what it would feel like to carry that extra weight. The Biodynamic breast analysis system is an excellent method of helping patients choose their implants, by trying sizers in a garment to help you get a realistic idea.

Your breasts will have a naturally augmented look if you select the right implant. A natural aesthetic breast tends to have a gentle slope in the upper part, peaking at the nipple and a rounded lower part of the breast. This can be achieved by using a natural shaped or anatomical shaped or tear drop shaped implant. These are implants that taper towards the top (towards your collar bone, on your chest) and are fuller at the bottom (towards your abdomen), giving the breast a more natural shape. A large implant can result in a rounded appearance in the upper pole, rather than a gentle slope. But if this is what you desire, then this is what you may need to go for.

Round implants do give more upper pole fullness and you could potentially get a "stuck on" appearance. This can particularly be an issue if you do not have much of your own breast tissue. But if prominent breast in the upper part is what you desire, then these implants may be for you. There is a reason why the tear drop implants are called 'anatomical' implants - it is because they resemble the anatomical shape of a natural breast!

An anatomical profile or tear drop profile or shaped implant can potentially rotate, but this is dependent on the technique and when properly done, this is not usually an issue. On the other hand, round implants are uniformly round and full in all directions, so rotation doesn't affect the shape of the breast.

Whilst it is nice to have larger boobs, it is equally important for them to look as natural as possible. As a general rule, the larger the implant, the harder it is to hide them. One should also take in to account the weight of the implants. The larger the implants, the heavier they will be and this can have adverse effects on your breast envelope. The breast can end up being droopy with a stretched skin envelope in future if the implants are heavy. This may necessitate reducing the volume of the implant and doing a breast uplift procedure in future.

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon!
If you were my patient we would decide the exact size and profile when I measure your chest, we review photos together, and you have an opportunity to try on the implant sizers here in the office, but based on your photos and description I believe that the 325cc range sounds great!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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. I would recommend seeing additional 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!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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 profile 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello, from the photos and information provided, 325cc seems to be appropriate. It is very important that this is mostly YOUR choice. Take plenty of time trying on sizers of 325cc to assure that you like the volume. Between you and your surgeon, time with measurements and you trying on sizers will help make this an effortless and very confident decision for you.Good luck on your journey!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

"325 round HP under the muscle" sounds about right, but in order to advise you specifically it would be necessary to evaluate you in person. That said, it appears you are starting in a very good place with breasts that are both pretty and fairly symmetrical. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. The 325 HP may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame.  Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Make sure that you share with your plastic surgeon photographs of your "favorites" or ideal. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

325 is a good average size implant. It’s the most common size I use. It will look great. Big enough but not obvious to the world.

Will 325 cc be too big? (photos)

Answers (15)