Is 600cc too much for someone who is 5'7" 215lbs? (Photo)

Question

I have a 42 inch ribcage and I'm about 17 cm from medial breast to lateral, I'm probably a B cup but I think a DD would look ideal for my frame. I have broad shoulders and larger arms. The Mentor scale suggests even going up to 640cc I think at the most. I'd like a very natural look if possible.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think 600 cc’s is too large for anyone but that’s my own opinion.   you will look too top heavy and it really won’t be a good look at all.   In addition they will be uncomfortable due to their size.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case.

I'm located right here in Los Angeles. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

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 to reaching the patient's goal. My patients prefer to try on the sizers under garments they typically wear to determine if they fit as expected and help allay some of their trepidation associated with this decision. 
The most important clinical factor in determining breast implant size is the base width or diameter of the patient’s native breast.  At your consultation with your board certified PS ask him/her to recommend the best size for you.  Then try on a profile bra with moderate+ sizers of his/her recommended size under a tailored blouse, tight sweater, swimsuit, workout clothes, tank tops, and other garments you typically wear so that you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected. If that is not the look you want, try the moderate+ 600cc you think is best. If the you would like more volume, the implant profile can be shifted from a moderate+ profile implant to HP  implant. I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.  Based on your photograph, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. 
My best advice: more communication.
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?
Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
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.
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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural or too much” or "C or D 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, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon who has examined and measured you will be the best one to tell you what range of sizes best fits your frame and tissue. The 600 cc implant is large, and large implants do carry higher risks. I would suggest going back to your surgeon, trying on sizes again from 450 to 600 cc's, and paying attention to the extra weight on your neck and shoulders. If your implant is too large, you will look more fat.

Is 600cc too much for someone who is 5'7" 215lbs? (Photo)

Answers (5)