Teardrop "gummy bear" implant size?

Question

I am getting teardrop, sub muscular, “gummy bear” breast implants, and I’m not sure how many cc’s I should get. I’m 37 years old, 5’6”, and 133 lbs. At my consultation, I stressed that I wanted natural boobs that weren’t too big. The surgeon recommended 270-310 cc’s. I know that the cup size can’t be predicted, but can you give me an estimation of size? I don’t want to go too small. I have seen too small implants, and I think that they look just as bad as too large ones. Thank you.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  270-310cc is a very reasonable size for most patients.  It truly depends on 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.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions.  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 and a through discussion of your goal results.  Oftentime pictures of representative examples of what you find to be attractive can help guide your surgeon.  You may also wish to "try on" different implant sizers in their office.  Best wishes!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

I strongly suggest that you find photos of your concept of "ideal" or favorites and share them with your plastic surgeon. You can get a beautiful and "natural" result with any and all implants, not just "gummy bear". It depends more on proper size selection and implant placement than on the type of implant selected. Best of luck to you.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

First, let me say that I am not a fan of "gummy bear" textured implants. And, I can say this after having many years of experience with them, as well as reviewing the literature, compared with smooth round implants.The reasons are the incidence of wrinkling of the implants is higher with textured implants. This occurs especially if  the implant does not fit the pocket precisely or if the patient has very little breast tissue. Also the incidence of large cell anaplastic lymphoma is present virtually only in the textured implants. It's not worth the risk, especially when the smooth round implants can look and feel so natural.  To determine the proper size implants for you, I would have your PS use 3-D imaging, such as Crisalix, and also place "sizers" in a bra with a T-shirt in front of a full length mirror. This will give you a better perspective of how you will look with the various implant sizes.Thank you for your question, and best of luck to you.

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

I bet the sizes recommended will work out well for you and your expectations, but you should definitely have a conversation with your surgeon as multiple factors can affect cup sizing, which in of itself is not standard.  A very rough estimate is about 150-200 cc per cup size.  Again, this is not exact.  Shaped implant sizing is much more individualized than round and take into account many aspects of your breast and chest.  The size recommended may be the best for a shaped implant, but if there are concerns about being too small, a larger implant is necessary.  If so, then a change to a round implant would likely be appropriate.  On a side note, in the vast majority of patients, neither the patient nor the surgeon can tell if the implant used is shaped or round.  Best of luck with your surgery.

Marcus L. Peterson, MD · Answer

The teardrop implants are sized by measuring your body and seeing how the implants will fit on your chest.  If you try to push the size up, you will have an implant that doesn't fit your chest and will not give you as nice of an appearance.  After the surgeon measures your chest he / she should be able to tell you the size and volume of implant that fits you the best.  You can also try on implants to see how big of an implant you think fits your goals.  If these two sizes do not match, then you will probably need to switch to the round silicone implants and not use the teardrop shape.Best WishesDr. Peterson

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

I would never use textured implants, and I don't.My concern is the risk of anapestic large cell lymphoma. I think there is a higher risk of forming that with textured implants than smooth implants. Talk to your surgeon.
Good luck,

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In order to properly see you, you would need to be seen in person. If that volume is what you might desire, you can do a baggy test to give you a rough idea on how you might look with them.

Teardrop "gummy bear" implant size?

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