Is there much difference between 255cc and 295cc?

Question

Because the diameter of my breast is so wide - I measured at around 12, my surgeon recommended 295cc under the muscle. I’m nearly 4 weeks post op and I feel like they’re too big - I’m only 5’1 and I originally started with a deflated C cup - I was measuring at an 8E when I was 2 weeks post op! When I consulted my surgeon he said I could have potentially gone down to 255cc, this was not advised to me originally! Is there much of a difference?!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is not much difference between those two sizes. If you are concerned, please follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi cinddydd, 
  
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 4 weeks post op. 
  
Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively. 
  
At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery. 
  
Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.
  
But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. 
  
Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question, 40 cc's is barely over 1 ounce,  so no, it isn't much different, especially if you compared the two, you wouldn't see a difference visually.

Alexander M. Sailon, MD · Answer

It is still year in your recovery. Many patients are often surprised at how the implants will settle over the next few months and take on a more natural shape. The difference between 255 and 295cc isn't worth loosing sleeping over since its less than a 20% change! Consider that a full cup size is generally considered to be 150cc - so we're talking about a third of a cup difference!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is still early postop and there will still be changes over the coming months. I would wait 3-6 months before assessing your result. 40cc is only a couple of tablespoons of fluid.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Depending on the patient's body type and goals, a 40 cc difference in breast implant volume may or may not create "much difference".  For example, for a more petite patient, even small increments in volume may make a significant difference in final outcome; for "larger" patients, the same difference in volume may not be clinically noticeable.
Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and 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 "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.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you should wait a full 3 month before really assessing how your breasts look. there is only a minor difference of 40 cc so try and keep it in perspective. you are still swollen and it takes a full 3 months to drop and for the swelling to resolve.david berman md

Is there much difference between 255cc and 295cc?

Answers (7)