Is there a noticeable difference between 400 vs 450cc silicone implant?

Question

Is there a noticeable difference between a silicone implant size of 400cc vs 450cc?

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. A 50cc difference may be noticeable and it really depends on the existing condition of the breasts. I always advise patients that breast asymmetry is the norm rather than the exception. This is a very important point for patients to understand. The differences not only entail volume but also in shapes.I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have practiced in the"land of breast implants", Miami, for the past 29 years. I encourage you to look up the surgeon you eventually select and make sure they have years of experience in performing cosmetic breast surgery. Furthermore request to see before and after photos of previous patients by that doctor....not a clinic or surgery center. Do your homework......research and verify the doctor's credentials. Have they had problems with the Board of Medicine, disciplinary or otherwise. Any law suits?How about the center, clinic or facility? Are they accredited by a national organization or do they just have State approval. Understand that at the current time, there are three nationally recognized organizations responsible for the highest levels of patient safety, AAAASF, AAACH and JCHO. You owe it to yourself to position yourself for the best possible results but under the most stringent safety regulations, If you have kids, even more so.How about anesthesia? Will you have a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthsiology or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Understand that there is no substitute for research. Cosmetic surgery, no matter how simple it may be to the patients, are invasive procedures and as such carry certain risks and complications.I wish you the best on your journey. I hope that the info provided has been helpful. Should you require any further clarification, do not hesitate to contact our institute. I answer all questions personally, not through patient coordinators or other marketing individuals.In our office we use TouchMD which is a web based program in which patients have the ability to load their picture unto the program. I then evaluate them and can actually draw on the picture to show a potential patient where the incisions would be located and how the procedure is to be realized. It's all done to comply with HIPPA which is the federal law that protects the patient's medical information. Look them up. Good luck Dr PG

Adam Rubinstein, MD · Answer

The difference that you will see in breasts between two sizes of breast implants depends upon  a lot of things. Some patients are really tight and even 20-30cc can make a difference you can see. In others the tissue is really soft and stretchy which makes even larger differences less noticeable. In my experience a 50cc difference is usually noticeable. My method for breast surgery is completely customized to each patient during surgery. I do not choose implants in advance. They are chosen during surgery to ensue you get the best results possible. You can learn more in the link below - click the video called, "Customized Cups"But the real question is, what is your goal? Are you choosing a size of implants for your first augmentation? Are you deciding whether or not to exchange your implants for a different size? There's a lot of things that go into giving you the best advice. If you live in south Florida I would recommend coming to my office for a free consultation. If you live far away you can opt for a virtual consultation and we can discuss your questions and recommend the best way to reach your goals.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

In my professional opinion the average person can not tell a 50 cc difference.  A plastic surgeon may be able to appreciate the difference

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Yes it can make a noticeable difference, not only in appearance but also in the weight of the implant.  It mostly depends on your body and the soft tissue cover of your breasts.  You can see for yourself as you try the different sizes in your plastic surgeon's office.  Best wishes!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

There is always a difference in 50ccs in an implant. The difference will be greater in a smaller patient with less breast tissue and less difference in a larger patient with more breast tissue.

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very common question and probably the most difficult for women to answer with their plastic surgeon.First of all I would tell you that the vast majority of women are extremely happy with their breast augmentation no matter what size they decide on for their implant.  Typically 50cc in this range of implant is not a huge difference.  You should be able to see some subtle difference between the two implants but it is not going to be dramatic.  If your plastic surgeon has told you that both implants will fit your body then I would tell you to consider going with the larger implant. In general it is more common for patients to wish they had placed a larger implant.  It has been my experience here in Miami that it is extremely rare that patients have wanted a smaller implant post-op.If you are still not sure about the size of implant ask your plastic surgeon if you can size again with implants in the office prior to your surgery.  Also do not be afraid to take your surgeon pictures of what you want to look like and he or she can help guide you as to which implant will get you closer to that appearance.I hope this helps.Johnny Franco MD

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Not really. If you are asking will appearance be larger overall? Than again 50 cc's of volume in a breast usually does not appear as a large increase. At least 100 cc's is needed to see in vivo size differences in my over the internet opinion. Also NO POSTED PHOTOS!

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

The 450 cc implant is roughly 10 % larger which in most patients is not significant. I would defer to the expertise of your plastic surgeon as to which implant will be a better fit for you.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It depends the volume of breast tissue present prior to surgery.  But 50 cc is only 3.5 tablespoonsful difference and not likely to make a major difference in most patients.  Your plastic surgeon will help you make the best choices in your particular case.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, depending on the individual patient's specific anatomy, a difference of 50 cc can be quite noticeable.  For example, if the patient is starting out with very minimal breast/soft tissue coverage (for example a petite patient), the difference of 50 cc can be very significant/noticeable.  This difference may be less noticeable for a  “larger” patient. 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're 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. 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, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size.
 The use of computer imaging technology may also be very helpful during this communication process.
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. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.
I hope this (and the attached link) helps.

Is there a noticeable difference between 400 vs 450cc silicone implant?

Answers (14)

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