I have 475cc saline implants. Is it possible to double the size? (photo)

Question

I am 5’3 and weigh 149. I had surgery 3 yrs ago and weighed 178 at the time. I went to see my surgeon about getting bigger implants. My implants are under the muscle. Is it possible to double the size? I know it depends on my tissue elasticity etc.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Implants are 3 dimensional structures. If you increase the implants by 100% the actual projection anteriorly will only increase by 25%. Also, 475 cc implants weigh 1 lb each and doubling the size they will weigh 2 lbs each. You had a lift which means your breasts were hanging to begin with. I believe this would be a mistake. An alternative to consider is fat transfer. At 5'3 and 149 lbs, your BMI is 26.5 and you should have adequate site for fat transfer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tonya4033,
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

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good evening!
XL augmentations are one of my practice specialties- I perform over 200 of them a year. It is possible to double the size of your implants, and we would use overfilled saline implants to achieve that size. No doubt you will get a lot of discouraging answers to this question, but I am here to tell you that patients love them!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Technically, yes, implants twice what you have can be crammed in behind your breast. this may not be wise since they will thin your own tissue and sag over time. Big breasts sitting on your lap don't look good.

Ed Breazeale, Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Saline implants are often wider in diameter than High or Ultra High Profile Silicone implants. Therefor when you do an exchange from Saline to Silicone if you select an Ultra or Ultra High Profile implant it is possible to go larger in cc size. I would speak to your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss which implants he recommends and how much larger they can realistically and safely implant in you. Good luck to you!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

The answer to your question is yes and no.  The most common reason for secondary implant surgery is to increase the size of the implants.  In my experience, to see any noticeable change in appearance the new implants should be at least 50% larger than the current implants.  In your situation the math goes as follows;  475 x 1.5 = 712.5 cc.  Of course, if you want to double your size then;  475 x 2 = 950 cc.

Here is where it gets tricky.  The largest breast implant size manufactured in silicone is 800 cc.  The same is true with saline implants.  So, to achieve the 950 cc, you can not use a silicone gel implant, but would need to use a saline implant and OVERFILL the implant to 950 cc.  This can be done and is done frequently, but you will forfeit the breast implant manufacturer's warranty.  All major breast implant manufacturers (Allergan, Mentor, Sientra) offer a free life time warranty for any implant rupture.  That means that if a breast implant ruptures, they will supply a new implant for FREE and will also replace the opposite side implant for FREE.  If that rupture occurs within 10 years of the implantation date, then monies will be available to cover the cost of that procedure (up to $3,500).   So, if you overinflate a breast implant to 950 cc, you lose that warranty.  That would be a decision you would need to make with your plastic surgeon.

Based on the one photograph supplied, it appears that you have also had either a lift or a reduction mammaplasty in addition to the implants.  Your breast width is narrow and there is good cleavage.  If you were my patient, I would try to talk you out of overinflating saline implants and use more natural feeling silicone implants in the 700-750 cc range and your results should be excellent.

Good Luck!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos and the simple answer is YES! So see your surgeon or other experts in the area and compare recommendations after a full examination and discussion of desired results

Dr Corbin

Dr Corbin

I have 475cc saline implants. Is it possible to double the size? (photo)

Answers (7)

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