250 or 275cc High Profile Round? Slim athletic build (Photo)

Question

Would you recommended 250 or 275cc based on my measurements and crisalex image? I am 5'7, 110lb 10.5 bwd but also trying to gain weight. I am sick of being flat chested, but also do not want to look unnatural for my shape. I do not have hips or any curve really. The surgeon said I can only fit high profile implants and max 275cc because of chest width. I know there is not much difference in 25cc I don't know why the decision is so hard!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The size difference you are considering is less than 2 tablespoons.  It won't be visibly noticeable when the implants are inside the body.  In my practice I use sizers during surgery.  This is especially helpful in a situation like yours.  The sizers help me decide what fits best in the breast space and is most closely matched with the patient's surgical goals.  I've attached a video that I hope you find helpful.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing.  Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.  
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan. 
Based upon your photos, your choices sound reasonable. 25 ml will be unlikely to make or break your result. That being said, anecdotally speaking, most patients wish they had upsized.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, selecting slightly larger implants is always a good idea because the implants will settle slightly causing an apparent (but not actual) decrease in size. Furthermore, you seem to have some lower pole constriction, and a slightly larger implant will assist in expanding this lower pole. You are also correct, I would not stress over 25cc, you will look excellent either way!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Personally, I think the 275cc looks better. It will give you a little bit more cleavage and upper pole fullness. Good luck!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The decision between the two sizes is only hard because you are making it hard. A 25cc change in volume is so slight that it would be barely visible. Looking at your Crisalix images, I suspect that most people wouldn't know the difference, unless they were held side by side and carefully studied.  I expect that both sizes would look fine on you and whether one looks better than the other is largely personal opinion and preference. If you're asking for my vote, i would favor the 250cc because of your slender frame.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Madeleinelily,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

250 or 275cc High Profile Round? Slim athletic build (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 275cc

Answer: 275cc

Answer: 250 or 275cc

Answer: 250 or 275cc

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Implant size and type

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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250 or 275cc High Profile Round? Slim athletic build (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 275cc

Answer: 275cc

Answer: 250 or 275cc

Answer: 250 or 275cc

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Implant size and type

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.