275 to 350 cc - will I notice a difference?

I have done a similar procedure in many patients with excellent results. What I have learned:You will not see a significant difference unless you go at least 50 cc larger than the implants you have now.You have to be careful about losing shape and becoming 'bra dependent'.You should discuss your options with a very experience surgeon who can tell you, aesthetically, if you really need that improvement and whether it is worth the risk. Hope this helps,Leland Deane MD FACS

Dear New Yorker,   Front and side view pictures would have been helpful. You did not provide your chest circumference measurement  in inches, which is critical for the correct implants size selection.         Lets assume that you are currently 34 full B cup size. Replacing the 275 cc implants with 350 cc implants will bring you to 34 C cup size. This is a noticeable change, however, in my opinion, 34 full C is more attractive , yet, still, very natural looking. To achieve that size you will need 425 cc implants. To accommodate  the larger size  implants, you will require to have capsulotomy (scar release).        Always, consult  with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures of redo breasts augmentation, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.            Best of luck                         Dr Widder     

Dear Johnsonlc5463,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

Hi and thank you for the question. Without seeing photos it's a bit difficult to give you a great answer. That being said, I can give you some general advice. I have found in my practice that when patients have a breast augmentation and feel too small, it usually takes changing them by 150-250cc to make significant difference they can see. The 75cc change you are thinking about might be noticeable to you, but definitely would be a waste of time for someone with a larger frame and larger breasts. If you are looking for just a bit more upper pole fullness or to fill out your bras just a bit more, then maybe do the exchange you described. If you want to look in the mirror and really notice a difference, consider a larger change. One thing to consider would be to find a practice that uses the Vectra 3D imaging system. We use this software to show our patients what they might look like with larger implants. The catch here is that the smallest implant made is about 110cc so you won't be able to evaluate that option. Best of luck to you.
Dr. West

hello and thank you for the question. This is a very common request. Of course, you will need an in person exam to help answer this question. It is a good idea for you to do some testing on your own. Try a old stocking and fill with dry rice. Put it inside a thin but tight sports bra. I would suggest doing this "test drive" with a couple different sizes to see how much bigger you are truly looking to get. Once you find the exact amount of rice, measure it in a cup. The ounces of rice = cc of volume. So if you wanted 3 ounces more, that would be about 90-100 cc more. Generally, I don't recommend small volume adjustments. As a general rule, anything less than 100cc is hard to notice as different. However, if you only want a small adjustment, that might work for you. Best to you. @bennettyangmd

Thank you for your question. Difficult to answer without pix, in general if you are petite and have s smaller breast width 75cc is a good upsize aof about a half a cup size. Best to discuss in person and undergo Vectra 3D imaging to simulate your post op results. 

You can get a rough idea by adding that volume doing a baggy test into the bra that you want to fit.  I would have to see the dimensions of the implants and would need to perform an exam.

Thank you for the question.  Although it is not possible to provide you with definitive advice without an person evaluation, most patients are able to "go larger" at a second stage, once the breast tissues have expanded (after first-time breast augmentation).  Sometimes, during this revisionary surgery, adjustment of the breast implant capsules is also necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
You will find that online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific advice in regards to selection of specific breast implant size/profile.  
Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging) will be critical. 
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering revisionary 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 are 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” or "look unprofessional" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.
 3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your chosen plastic surgeon to work with you in determining the best plan to achieve your goals.
I hope this helps. Best wishes. 

In my experience, I usually go 150 cc bigger or smaller to make a difference. 75 cc is not enough.

Dear Johnsonlc5463,You are not crazy for wanting to look a little larger.  This is always a difficult question to answer.  How much is enough to notice a difference? Is the new proposed implant a higher profile implant than your current implants?  Is there any pocket modification needed or planned.  A lot of information I would be without to advise you better.  I can tell you that a 50 cc difference is tough to spot for a similar profile implant.  Now a 50 cc difference between a low and a moderate profile implant for example would result in more noticeable change because the implant comes away from the chest more but may actually be narrower so there are several variables to consider.  Another option that might be reasonable if a modest change is desired is to have fat grafting to the breasts.  I would trust your surgeon and certainly can see a few other in person to see what their opinion is after hearing your goals.Thank you for your question.Andre Levesque M.D.