I'm 28, 5'5, 97lbs, 32A, and 11.5 BW. Surgeon recommends HP Allergan gummy bear submuscular around 295 - 325 cc (Photo)

Question

During my sizing consults, 295cc under a tight sports bra seems PERFECT. Totally complimentary of my slim build and narrow hips. 325cc looks the same head on w more projection but when I tried on my fav shirt overtop it looks TOO big. I understand they will appear smaller once behind the muscle. My dream is to be a full C cup, not a D. Finding that different nurses stress different things. Do I go with what feels like my dream implant (295cc)? Or do I go larger and pray it settles? Thank you x

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hotsaucegirl,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

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question and the picture you showed you are a good candidate for breast augmentation t in your case for best result you can apply for position sub muscular  , its recommended if you get a consultation in person with a plastic surgeon to determinate how many cc do you need to the better results

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi HSG, I like your plan.  One question you might want to ask:  is you implant a textured gummy bear?  The Allergan textured implants account for 99.99% of all of the cases of the ALCL lymphoma cancer of the breast.  Here are a few tips for you because this is perhaps
the hardest decision for a patient to make, as well as the surgeon.  Also see the video attached to my answer.  We spend up to two hours for our BA consults
to be sure there is careful communication. We do a full exam in front of a
full-length mirror taking six exact measurements.    We
put your photos on a large computer screen for imaging, and go over your
“ideal-size” photos. We then save this information to your password protected
“web account.” 
     First and
foremost the implant should fit the dimensions of your breast and tissue cover.
 Balancing the implant to your
over-all body shape and tissue cover is essential.    The main thing is to
have the diameter of the implant fit the diameter of your breast "foot-print".
 Higher profile implants tend to have a smaller diameter.  Higher is really a marketing term, but often
translates into the same volume implant with a narrower base.  Saline implants actually tend to decrease in
diameter as they are inflated!  The average size chosen over our last 7,000 breast implants was
“350cc”.  BUT, 90% of our patients tell us they wish they were
bigger a year after BA.  (We will see you
every year for routine checks at no charge.) It’s like your mind incorporates
the "new you" into your own self-image over a period of time. Cup size estimates can be misleading, but I generally advise patients
that they will experience an increase of approximately one cup size per 200 cc.
 You can try on implants in the office by
placing them into a special bra.  The implant is also flattened somewhat when under
the muscle, so it is a good idea to bump it up a bit. Approximately 1-ounce (25cc) is added to the final volume to account for
flattening of the implant in the partial sub-muscular pocket.  Once you decide on a size you like, then add
on 25cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly by your
tissues.  Multiple measurements need to
be taken to fit an implant to your exact anatomy.  Have your surgeon's
office show you the charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles
of silicone and saline from the manufacturer.  Then you and your surgeon
can piece together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes,
versus your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive at
a surgical plan.  Keep in mind
larger implants tend to have more problems over the years.  Since silicone implants wrinkle less than
saline implants, they might be your best bet.
     You can
also approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent amount of rice
placed into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in your bra.  Wear this around the house for a while, and
see what you think.  Implant size must
square with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest wall width.
 Multiple measurements of your chest wall
are taken (seven in total).  Implant size
selection has been an issue of much discussion. 
    
Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size is
always established preoperatively.  Also,
patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal size
and shape.  A photo album of patient
pictures is maintained to assist them.  These photos ultimately help in determining
where the implants will be placed, since they can be shifted inside (to provide
more cleavage), to the outside, up or superiorly, and down or inferiorly during
surgery.  In determining the final size
selection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative measurements
and potential tissue cover.  Finally,
your verbal requests are factored into the analysis. 
     We use
the quick-recovery approach, so click on the web reference link below to have
this explained and you can see the list of Quick-Recovery (Flash-Recovery or
Rapid-Recovery) Breast Augmentation articles from peer-reviewed surgery
journals.  It is a surgical procedure that
uses special instruments and techniques to minimize tissue damage and avoid
touching the ribs. It causes far less trauma to surrounding tissue than
traditional approaches, and it dramatically reduces pain and recovery time. In
published studies of BA patients, 95-percent of women interviewed after the
procedure returned to normal daily activities within 24-hours. Quick-recovery
BA is not a “gimmick.”  These specialized
techniques, which actually speed recovery and get you back to your daily
routine, kids and work, are published in our plastic surgery journals.  Because these PS journals are “peer-reviewed”
and edited, they are the gold-standard in our field as being valid science.
Therefore, these are sound techniques, not marketing hype.  
     Be sure
to see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of
Plastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic
Surgeons).  Also, ask if the PS has an
established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year.  Be sure the PS has been in practice for a
while, about 20-years might be a good gauge. 
Does the PS offer all three incisions? 
Discuss the implant type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear"
or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle)
and the "quick-recovery approach." 
Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t see any on their
website.  If they are experienced, they should have several 100 breast
implant patients for you to view.  I would also recommend that your doctor
offer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discuss
their experience with you.  You need to feel comfortable, so make sure the
environment is safe as in an accredited surgery center.  Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she
has ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals,
which they can provide you.      
All the best, “Dr. Joe”

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  In addition to the goal pictures you have posted, it would be helpful to view pictures of your breasts and to know your individual breast measurements.   The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

John E. Nees, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Determiningthe "best" size of breast implant is not an easy task,especially since each individual has a different concept about what is"normal". A request to be "average" or "big" istoo vague to be of any value and cup size varies frombra manufacturer to bra manufacturer.Wearingan implant externally in a bra may provide an idea of size. Consider bringingin "wish photos" to show your surgeon what youdesire. Adding rice to a bag from a measuring cup ( 1 cc 1 ml) andplaced in your bra may determine fill volume. Computer imaging is a tool usedby some to estimate new breast size. Breast dimension measurements areessential as implants vary in width and projection. The distance is measured incm...drop vertical lines downward to the bottom of the breasts frommedial and lateral aspects and measure straight across. If the baseof the implant is too narrow, you will not have cleavage. If too wide, you willexperience "lateral boob", where there will be unnatural lateralfullness.  A  discussion after thorough examination withyour surgeon is required. Teardrop(anatomic) implants have an asymmetric shape, fuller at the bottom withless fill at the top, while traditional round implants are compressedcircular spheres. The choice is up to the patient, with the majority requestinground implants as they are less expensive, require a smaller incision, and givesatisfactory results. Look at before and after photos to compare theresults of both procedures. The number of cc is secondary....It's the"look" that should be of primary importance, and that decision is upto you.Best wishes...

I'm 28, 5'5, 97lbs, 32A, and 11.5 BW. Surgeon recommends HP Allergan gummy bear submuscular around 295 - 325 cc (Photo)

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Answer: Breast augmentation, 295-325cc

Answer: Breast augmentation, 295-325cc

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Answer: Breast implant sizing

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I'm 28, 5'5, 97lbs, 32A, and 11.5 BW. Surgeon recommends HP Allergan gummy bear submuscular around 295 - 325 cc (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast augmentation, 295-325cc

Answer: Breast augmentation, 295-325cc

Answer: Breast implant sizing

Answer: Breast implant sizing

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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.