Breast implant size for tall girl: is 500cc is enough to achieve my goal? (Photos)

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant. With regards to your goal photo, it is important to note that she is pre-operatively larger than you. Thus pursuing the same result will require significantly larger implants. Patients should also be aware that the larger the implants, the greater the risk of complications. 500 cc is a large implant (and you may require larger to achieve your wish).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)

I appreciate your question!

After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that 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. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.

Silicone will give you 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 softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is 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. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.

We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.

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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Your question is a good one and one that we often hear-- the best way to move forward in my opinion is to discuss your concerns and goals carefully with your surgeon.  An experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can really help guide you toward options that can get you the results you want, and doing this in person I feel will be very helpful.

A 500cc is a large breast implant and it will make you look like you have much bigger breasts than your current breasts. You do not look anything like the "wish" photos before surgery and I suggest to you that your result will be different than the posted after photos. You should look for before photos of people with similar breast to understand the type of results you might have. I think it's a bad idea to go any bigger with your tight looking skin. 

Thanks for the question. To make the choice of what volume you should get in your surgeon is very important a personal consult with a board certified surgeon with experience in the procedure you want. I think that volume of 500-550cc will give you what you are looking for.  Kind regards 

Thank you for your question. Selecting the correct implant  is among the most important decisions in a successful breast augmentation procedure. There are several factors to consider and the placement of the identical implant will not produce the same results in all patients due to differences in:1. Dimensions of the breast  2. Diameter of the chest 3. Volume of the breast tissue  4. Height and weight 5. Breast shape, including ptosis and asymmetryI rely on 3 methods to advise my patients: 1. Dimensional planning  2. Gel implant sizing  3. 3-Dimensional Vectra imaging system.At the time of consultation, measurements are taken allowing for dimensional planning to select the implant which best fits the base diameter of the breast.  Gel implant sizing is performed to allow you to visualize augmentation with the various sized implants.  Vectra 3-D imaging has been a very important method in my practice in selecting the correct implant size and shape as it allows you to see what you will look like following augmentation with any of the available implants. Best wishes, Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS

Taller women can usually tolerate larger implants.  This is a decision which should be made in concert with your plastic surgeon based upon his/her experience, the measurements made of your chest wall, your breast dimensions, and your goals.  Choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision. 
My patients try on implant sizers of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, bathing suit, or other favorite garment from their wardrobe.  Feeling the implant, and viewing various profiles in the mirror allows them to determine the size that is most pleasing and comfortable for them.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  500cc or larger will likely accomplish your goals.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for  your question.  Implant size and type are two important considerations for most patients seeking breast augmentation.  It can be helpful to have photos or images of implants that match your goals.  Many plastic surgeons offer 3D imaging and sizers to help you determine how various sized implants will look on your body with and without clothing.  Finally, your plastic surgeon should be able to discuss the benefits and limitations of various types of implants, and take measurements of your own frame to be sure you get the best fit for your body. Often the final determination of size is made during surgery.  The most important factor is finding a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust and one who has extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.  

Viewing pictures, with a plastic surgeon, of women with similar height and measurements, with different size implants, will assist you in determining what size will be right for you to accomplish your goal. My patients find this process most reassuring.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author