Will 330cc be too big/fake looking for me? Now 32AA, bwd 12cm

Question

Now I'm almost flat: 32AA and my bwd is 12cm. I have little to no breast tissue and I have an athletic body type. Implants: Anatomical Brand: Mentor CPG 321 Profile: Moderate I'm doubting between 280cc or 330cc. Will 330cc be too big and fake on me?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. It is most likely that 300 cc implants will not fit retro-pectoral. I recommend 200 cc implants placed retro-pectoral, wait several months and if you desire a bigger size then you can go up to 300 cc or larger.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS · Answer

you have a good frame in the sense that 330 should not look fake. I always tell my patients that if they are confused between 2 sizes - best is to go with the bigger one. I have never seen a patient in my practice say that ' I wish my implants were smaller' Having said that, it's best to discuss this further with your operating surgeon.

Brian Biggerstaff, MD · Answer

Hello SimoneSBNL, there are several important factors to consider when determining how a certain implant volume or profile will look on a given patient. Height and build are very importatn, as is breast width diameter. Other breast measurements, existing breast volume, chest wall slant, skin thickness, and whether you are planning to have them deep (more natural-appearing upper pole) or superficial to the pectoralis muscle all play a role as well. So to best answer your question it would be helpful to know your height (and weight) and what your goals are in terms of look and size, although it seems safe to assume you want a somewhat natural appearance based on your question. My initial thought is that 330 cc would not likely to be too big, but impossible to be sure without an exam. Also, it is worth keeping in mind that while the majority of patients are happy with size after augmentation, in the instances patients are unhappy with thier size it is more often they wish they would have went larger. You can trial the volumes using equivalent volumes of rice in a panty hose and try on your bras/clothes in front of the mirror to get a better idea. Many plastic surgeons will aslo have sizers in the office, and some may offer virtual imaging. It is also helpful if you can bring goal pictures with you. Hope this helps. All the best! Brian Biggerstaff, MD

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend continuing to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon or seek additional consultations to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. Best wishes!

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting with your photo. You don’t have a lot of breast tissue so the implants need to go under the muscle. 330cc might be too big on your frame. If your not sure but you still want a good size, you might try something around 300-315cc. 
In any case, you are a great candidate so you will
have great results with these options. 
Just keep in mind that if you feel you need to go down a size in a future procedure, it might result in a lift with additional scars….. while a revision to go up a size is pretty straight forward. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good evening,
I do not think the 330cc will be too large for you, but it is also very subjective- so I recommend you show your PS plenty of goal photos and try on the implant sizers in their office and directly ask what size will take me to my goal pics? Your surgeon should be able to answer that question and guide your selection.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

I'd suggest doing 3D breast implant imaging to see exactly what a particular implant will look like on your frame.  With a BW of 12cm your choice of 330cc would be a nice fit.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

Hi Simone,

The implant sizes you listed will probably be appropriate for most slim patients, but there are factors that might determine what will work best for you. The main issue is the fairly short distance from your nipple to your crease beneath the breasts. An implant that is too large will sit mostly above the nipple rather than properly centered behind it. This is something that a plastic surgeon could help you to determine when examining you in person. It might be that the smaller volume works better and looks more appropriate. It also might be helpful to consider a higher profile implant, which has a narrower diameter, to avoid the problem I mentioned above. My approach would be to take different implant sizes to surgery, then test with a temporary implant sizer during the surgery to determine which looks best.

Best of luck,

Andres Taleisnik, MD

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Simone,
Thank you for your question and photo. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Volume (330 versus 280), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. Both of the implants you are considering may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. It is true that as a general rule, the smaller size will look less “fake”, yet that does not mean necessarily that the 330 would be too big or fake looking. For a given volume or round implant,  a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame.  Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.