Is 400cc considered a big implant? (Photo)

Question

I will be getting a BA on the 19th of January and would like to know if 400cc is considered a large implant and if it would sag? I am 5ft 6, 9 stone 6 and am a 34B

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

I see that you live in the UK and hence I would ignore suggestions by plastic surgeons in the US who feel that 400cc is a good size implant for you. Looking at your photos, you do seem to have reasonable amount of your own breast tissue and I do feel that 400cc might be too big for you. Ladies in Europe usually do not opt to go as big as ladies in the US! 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.

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.

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. About a decade ago 400cc was considered an average size for an implant, but since then the average size of a breast implant has dropped to around 300cc in the UK, and so 400cc is on the larger size. The decision over the size depends on the final look you are after, as well as the width of your chest and breasts, and how empty your breasts are (ie. how much skin there is to "fill out"). You already have reasonable sized breasts without too much droopiness that you get from having empty breasts. Your final look will therefore likely be quite big, with full upper poles. If this is what you are after then 400cc is good for you.

Navid Jallali, MB ChB (Hons), MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

This is a very common question and thank you for posting. There is no way of defining large or small implants. It depends on the look you are trying to achieve plus your build and skin quality. I always get patients to try on the implant in order for them to see the effect of the augmentation. I would discuss this with your surgeon to ensure you get the look you desire rather than going for a particular size of implant. Best of luck.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

Your question is a good one and in my opinion it really depends on the patient's frame, existing breast tissue and skin quality.  I think the more important question would be what are your goals for the procedure-- this is best discussed with your surgeon and I think it can sometimes be helpful to bring in before and after photos of women with a similar frame to yours in order to give your surgeon a mental picture of what you are trying to achieve with the procedure.  Great question and best of luck!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for this question. A 400 cc is generally considered a large breast implant. However, if this recommendation has been made after an analysis of your breasts including measurements then it may very well be appropriate. Consider discussing your size concerns with your plastic surgeon once again before surgery.Good luck! Dr. Aldo

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos
There are several variables to be considered when answering this question. It is always difficult to make a diagnosis based on photos alone, however, you do appear to be a good candidate for a breast augmentation with a smooth round silicone implant. When you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, they will perform a set of measurments that will help determine what type and size of implant is appropriate for you.
I hope this is helpful

Paul Tulley, MD, MBBS, FRCS(Plastic) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. A 400cc implant is generally considered towards the larger end of implant size.
You should select an implant shape, size and profile after detailed consultation with your surgeon, considering your current and ideal breast size and shape, body weight and chest wall shape. The best way to establish the optimal implant for you is to try a range of implant sizers in a trial bra and see the effects in a mirror.
A 400cc implant may well have a higher risk of producing later breast sag/droop than other more moderate sizes, depending on the overall size of the breast it produces and the strength of your tissues. As you have good breast size and development currently you may well find that you can produce a good breast size/shape, that satisfies you, with a slightly smaller implant size, which has a lower risk of producing later breast droop. 
Good luck with your treatment.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.I would suggest  that you get caught up in arbitrary "semantics"; different plastic surgeons will define "big"" differently.  In other words, what might be too big for one patient may be just right for another depending on their anatomic starting point and desired outcome. My general advice to patients in my practice: use breast implants only as large as necessary to achieve your goals.  "Bigger is not necessarily better".   On the other hand, the most common regret after breast augmentation surgery tends to be "I wish I was bigger".
 There are many factors that come into play when it comes to breast "sagging". These factors, such as aging, pregnancy, weight gain/loss... will likely play a larger part in your breasts "sagging" than a modest difference in breast implant volumes.
 
Generally speaking, every patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery should understand that their anatomic starting point will limit the outcome of breast augmentation surgery.    In other words, a patient's starting anatomy will limit how large of a breast implant can be utilized safely. The use of a larger breast implant (than what is safely "allowed" by the patient's anatomy) can be problematic;  potential problems include breast implant displacement/malpostion issues ( such as bottoming out, lateral displacement, symmastia...)  and/or significant breast implant rippling/palpability.
 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. Sometimes, it is necessary to seek several consultations before you feel comfortable about your choice.
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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "D or DD 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, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process. The use of in bra sizers may also be helpful. In other words, use as many “visual aids” as possible during the communication process. I encourage patients to meet with me as my times as necessary, to feel comfortable that we are both on the “same page”.
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. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.***It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
One question that might be helpful for you to consider: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly too big or slightly too small after the breast augmentation procedure?
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Is 400cc considered a big implant? (Photo)

Answers (8)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Breast Implants Questions

How long does it take for breast implants to soften up and “drop”? (photo)

32AA. 5ft 5in 120lbs. Want 400cc implants but PS is trying to talk me down. Want a second opinion. (photos)

400 or 465cc? What bra size would I be? (Photo)

I have a fluid feeling in my sternum when pushing towards the right breast. Is this a normal feeling? (Photos)

When will gummy bear type of breast implants soften up?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS