Are 500cc saline implants too big for me? Want to be 34D. Maybe 475 cc or 450 cc? (Photo)

Did you try different implant sizes in in the plastic surgeons office by placing implants under a bra and a shirt to see what that volume looks like?  In my practice, 500cc is the largest size we have in stock.  It would likely get you into the full D cup size but whether that will be too big cannot be known until you have it done. Going with a 475 is 25cc less or the volume of less than two tablespoons so it may not be enough of a jump to be smaller. On the other hand a common complaint following breast augmentation is "I wish I was bigger" so maybe you should listen to the one closest to your case... Your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question and posting appropriate pictures. You seem to be a very good candidate for breast augmentation. If you are considering Saline implants, I recommend TUBA as you will not have any visible scars. You would need to have a consultation and preferably undergo Vectra 3-D imaging to simulate your postoperative results. Best of luck.

I would suggest that you "try out" the 500 cc and the 475 cc and see which look you like best. Always best to focus on the look and not the cup size as the latter is never a good indicator of actual breast volume. Best, Dr. Nazarian

HiIn my opinion 500 cc in a saline implant will look large and fake.  In rough terms in my practice I would be recommending no more thatn a 400 cc but it depends what sort of look you prefer.  Regards Damien

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. In my practice for cases like yours I recommend to use microtexturized highly cohesive silicon implant ("gummy bear" implants), with high projection, under the muscle, and 550ml will be excelent on you, to fill the breasts properly.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 475 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “D” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain the below link:#AtoDCupChange

I appreciate your question.

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.

Silicone will give you a 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 more liquid silicone
(less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the
scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant
distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are 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.



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

When it comes to size, your surgeon will most likely recommend a range for you based on your desired result. I usually suggest a patient start at a certain size based on the base of their breast and size of the pocket and based on their desired look. If you were to choose a 500cc implant, I would order at least three implant size options ranging from 450cc's to 525 cc's and place the best size for your breast pocket during your surgery. Keep in mind that you lose some volume and projection after the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. For this reason, airing on larger will keep you from having "size regret". More often than not, patients say they wish they had gone bigger rather than smaller. Ultimately it is your choice and your Board Certified Plastic surgeon will help guide you in this decision process. 

Perhaps the biggest unknown in breast augmentation is how to get the proper implant shape and size. Sometimes, the correct volume implant will still be wrong because the projection, width or overall shape does not fit the patients anatomy. Proper sizing requires effort on the part of the patient and doctor.1Patients should get photographs of their desired outcomes. They should also perform the Rice Test (see below) at home to be certain that they are in the right ballpark for volume (but not shape - that is left to the surgeons exam and discussion).2Physicians should spend time to discuss all options with the patient. The exam should also establish the basic anatomical requirements for the implant and procedure. For example, is the patient asymmetrical, is there sagging, are the breast tuberous, is the chest wall narrow or wide?If the communication between the patient and doctor is lacking, then seek out a more proactive physician.Rice Test - 1Get a pair of disposable pantyhose, rice and a metric measuring cup (ml's=cc's).2Pour the desired volume of rice into each pantyhose leg. Cut off the extra material and tie the pantyhose in a knot so that the rice is secure. 3Put each bag of rice in your bra to determine if this is the desired volume enhancement. If the volume is too much or too little, untie the knot and adjust the volume of rice accordingly. Repeat this process until your are happy with the volume of rice - at this point, pour the rice from each bag separately into the measuring cup and record the volume in ml's. Remember to record each breast separately because of the asymmetry you may have. 4The ultimate volume will be about 10% higher than the volume of rice measured. If you have any further questions, please refer to my book "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - A Complete Guide From A to Double D".

Sizing is very difficult without an examination.  However, 500 is very large for your very small, slim frame.  I personally would recommend silicone, submuscular/dual plane implants, as these are much softer & more natural to see & touch.  Have you trialled sizing at home with rice??  Use 500grams in an old nylon stocking inside a non padded bra or sports top & see how this volume looks/feels.  Also, try to see a surgeon with 3D imaging to give the best guide to how a certain size will look on your body  All the best.