36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

Question

Hi, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, I am currently a 36B.. i am booked in 2 weeks time to have my op. I am having 445cc high profile, I am just wondering if I have made the right choice & this will give me what I'm hoping for?! I want to be atleast a DD size. I understand everyone gets different results but just want some reassurance. I would hate to be dissapointed & not as big as I thought.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi kellyharlee,
Implant profile is a very important consideration. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This is associated with several problematic consequences. 
  
The first issue is that the patient loses width and therefore cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants. 
  
High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the base width) but otherwise I try to avoid them.
  
Also, determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. 
  
Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. Also, price range for breast lift is around 10k to 15k depending on whether you need a lollipop or a donut mastopexy.
  
Another important consideration to make would be the breast implant type and sizing selection. In fact, this 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, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Please note that bra cup size does not correlate with your implant size. Different bra manufacturers vary . Please speak to your surgeon to discuss your concerns.Regards,

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.  445cc may be able to accomplish your goal of a DD cup.   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

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.
The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. Without measures or photos, any advice beyond this will be limited.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Request another consultation with your PS before your breast implant surgery in two weeks. No one can make a better decision regarding breast implant size with respect to your anatomy and optimal goals than the two of you.  You want to be happy with the outcome, but choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sizing Anxiety

Answer: Sizing Anxiety

Answer: 36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

Answer: 36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

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36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sizing Anxiety

Answer: Sizing Anxiety

Answer: 36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

Answer: 36B wanting to go to a full DD at least, I am a size 12/14 & 5"5, will 445cc high profile get me there?

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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.