Is 500cc breast implants too big for me? (Photo)

500 is too big for everyone.
Well, let me clarify that.
I have not yet seen a patient 10 years after a 500cc implant that still looked good.  Their skin was stretched or thinned or the implant had dropped too low.  
Is that okay with you?  Choosing an implant size is not only a matter of seeing a 3d simulation or trying them on in a bra and selecting the size you want.  It is also about recognizing what you will look years later.
To any colleagues who have a different experience, please present your results at a meeting and write them up in a paper.  I will retract these comments if i am proved incorrect.  Though with the hundreds of patients with large implants and related problems that i have seen, it is hard to imagine that anyone could present consecutive cases of large implants that had good results.
Did your surgeon show you long term follow up of 500cc implants?  Were you made aware of the tradeoffs with getting them?
At 4'11", even without examining you, i can tell you that objectively speaking they are too large for you - as i define too large --which is not as a matter of proportion, but of the high likelihood your skin will stretch and thin and you will have worse problems later.
Remember, no implants=no problems, small implants=small problems, and big implants=big problems.
BTW, the reason you think your 325s are "too natural" is that you have already have some stretch...much of the implant volume is low in your breasts.  That leaves your upper breasts relatively empty and that is why they look so natural.  Your breasts are very pretty.  You might reconsider what you want to do.  You already have some stretch...you add weight to that and your stretch will accelerate.

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

To accurately answer this question would require a consultation and physical examination. At this point your best resource is your surgeon. He or she can guide you through this process and help make the proper decision for implant selection. 

It is difficult to say without assessing you in person and taking chest measurements. Generally speaking, you will not achieve the same bubbly perky look with just a breast augmentation because you had a lift as well. Please speak to your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Regards,

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

Thanks for your question!  I think that you can absolutely accommodate a 500cc implant and still have breasts that fit your frame.  It appears that you had a breast lift done during the first surgery.  In my opinion, based on your photo, you may need the lift to be tightened or may need a capsulorrhaphy. Best of luck!

Hello,Your implants are sitting low and lateral in their respective pockets, and simply repositioning them will improve overall shape and upper pole fullness. If you want larger implants too, that may be possible, and could be determined by physical exam.  If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon who specializes in revision breast surgery, you may want a second opinion from a few who are. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs and description, 500cc is likely a reasonable choice for you.  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.   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

Dear Myy.lady,breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

It's difficult to say without examining you.  500 may give you the result you're looking for, but also consider the long-term consequences of that extra weight pulling down on your tissuesBest of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA