If I do 400cc implants, will they look smaller than when I tried on the sizers? Should I do 425cc to be safe? (Photo)

Question

I am 21 years old, 5'2 130lbs. I am a mother of one interested in a BA. I've just recently had my consulation with a near by surgeon. I ideally want to be a small D and he recommended 400cc's silicone implants but said because of my rib cage I could do any size really. The second pic I've posted was with the 400cc implant sizers and want to know if they will look the same size after surgery or go with the 425cc to be safe. I want a full curvy breast that won't look extreme.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Breast augmentation really should be customized to you.  I go over my patient's goals, review different photos to determine what they are looking for, and use different sizing techniques to help them come up with the approximate ideal size. I also examine them and discuss what different sizes may look like.  I want my patients to have a beautiful, natural looking breast.  I try to use my experience to help them select the best option for their body and goals. At the end of the day you have to have faith that your surgeon has really listened to you and has a clear picture of what you are looking for so they can give you that result at the time of surgery.  I always bring different sizers that are close to the goal size and trial different models to make sure I give my patients THE MOST PERFECT SHAPE and size...not just size.  Sometimes an implant that is a tiny bit narrower/wider or taller/shorter, or flatter/perkier may make all the difference.  Back to your original question, it is possible that some compression from your soft tissue makes the implants look slightly smaller than they did in a bra, but if your surgeon has really listened to you, they will be able to choose the best breast implant for you at the time of your augmentation surgery to match your goals.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAss't Clin Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster University

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi BBL,I would say you are on the right track, based on what you are posting, although I haven't examined you.  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 50 cc (1-2
oz.) 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 about 25-50 cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly
by your tissues.  The main thing is to
have the diameter of the implant fit the diameter of your breast "foot
print". 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. All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place should have a nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.  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 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” 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, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I find it is fairly common for patients to tell me their perceived size after surgery is a little smaller than when they tried on sizers.   For this reason many of my patients choose slightly larger implants to compensate.  Of course, I don't recommend they go larger if the bigger implant is not suitable for their body frame, but in this case it sounds like your surgeon does not have reservations about the 425cc implants.  You would need to discuss this with your surgeon since they are aware of your dimensions.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question
on which implant size would be best for you. 
Right now it sounds like you’re considering 400cc and 425cc.  Since there is no way to say definitively
over the internet which size would be optimal for you, take comfort in the fact
that the surgeon uses your unique measurements and is able to provide you with
a general range.  In many cases the board
certified plastic surgeon can best be your guide as they’ve met with you in
person and heard your aesthetic goals. You may consider doing 3-D imaging;
however with nearly all the breast cases we’ve performed, we’ve found patients
enjoy doing a live “try on” session where they actually can “try on” the
implant in a non-padded bra in our office. 
This does not give an exact measurement of outcome, rather it gives a
nice idea of what to expect. For patients who desire a more natural look we
like to recommend the shaped implant. 
For patients who desire a more full, voluptuous look we recommend a
higher profile implant. And remember that all breasts have at least some amount
of asymmetry (we like to say they’re like sisters and not twins).  My very best to you. – Dr. Brian Coan

If I do 400cc implants, will they look smaller than when I tried on the sizers? Should I do 425cc to be safe? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Selecting implants based on sizers

Answer: Selecting implants based on sizers

Answer: Breast Implants

Answer: Breast Implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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If I do 400cc implants, will they look smaller than when I tried on the sizers? Should I do 425cc to be safe? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Selecting implants based on sizers

Answer: Selecting implants based on sizers

Answer: Breast Implants

Answer: Breast Implants

Browse related questions

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.