Getting low profile implants - how many CCs? (photos)

Question

I’m booked in to get a BA next April & just want to make sure I am well researched & able to explain exactly what I want to my surgeon. I am 5”2 and 110 pounds. I’m probably a small B cup but not really sure. I don’t want much of an increase in size; really just want to restore some lost volume after BF. I have quite a narrow ribcage but pretty set on having low-profile as I want minimal projection. How many CCs could I get away with? Could 160-180 be achievable?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Most likely yes you would be able to fit that volume, however speak to your plastic surgeon and have them take some measuring meant and some saline vary from silicone. Feel free to check out our webpage for more information.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Choosing the implant size can be one of the hardest decisions with breast augmentation.  Every plastic surgeon has their own method to pick the correct implant size with their patients.  The choice of implant is determined by combining your goals for size and the appearance of the breasts with a detailed assessment of your height/weight, breast dimensions, and chest width.  In our practice, we generally have patients bring photographs of the desired appearance of their breasts after augmentation.  We also have them try on breast implants in the office.  I would recommend discussing your goals with your surgeon, so collectively as a team, you can determine the best implant size for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce984128,
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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. The most important single number in all of your measurements is the Base Width Diameter of your breasts to determine the optimal width of your implant. A low profile implant is what you will indeed require based on your expressed wishes of a very conservative augmentation. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. The volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, continue to do your research, and allow your plastic surgeon to advise you specifically. Best of luck to you.

Mark Hanikeri, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi there

It is difficult to answer your question without a face to face consultation with measurements but based on your photos and what you have said the volume you quote is very conservative but certainly achievable.  You may be a little disappointed when you get used to them so I would advise an extra 50-75cc at least. Low profile implants are wider for the same volume so you would need to confirm the implant width against your chest and existing breast width to ensure appropriate dimensions.

You should discuss this with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs this type of surgery.

Good luck

Dr Mark Hanikeri. MBBS FRACS
Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Implant selection is an important part of your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  During this visit your surgeon will take various measurements of your breasts and discuss your surgical goals.  This information is combined to help select implant options for you to consider.  In addition to volume you will consider type, shape, and style.  A lower profile implant will give you less projection, but you will want to make sure the implant is not too wide or it may yield an odd shape.  Your surgeon will guide you through the process.  You are not expected to go into a consultation knowing the exact implant you want.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Hi there, yes it is possible! An Allergan low profile implant of 170cc will likely work for you because it has a base diameter of 11cm. Your nipple to nipple distance is 17.5cm. The base diameter of each breast is likely around 11cm so you should be okay, but your surgeon will be able to measure your base diameter and you both can choose an implant size together based on your measurements and goals. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am not a fan of low profile implants for most women since they are mainly flat pancakes. You might consider a moderate profile implant to fit the shape of your breast better.  During your consultation, you can try on sizes to actually see what you like. The range 150 to 200 cc's would look nice on you.

Cassie Nghiem, MD · Answer

Hi Fierce984128, excellent question! The one number that a surgeon would need is your base width, or how wide your breasts are. Just looking at the pictures, I think that's a reasonable goal in terms of size. On average, that roughly translate to a 1 cup size increase. I would even consider a moderate if you want to restore upper pole volume. Hope that helps!

Getting low profile implants - how many CCs? (photos)

Answers (11)

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