Is a 12.5 415cc implant and a 12.75 450cc implant a big difference? (Photo)

Good afternoon!

I use different sized implants in at least one third of patients, because many women have enough asymmetry naturally to warrant the use of two different sizes. The dimensions are minimally different- you won't notice it.

Hello, thank you for your question. A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to guide you to the correct size implant measurements and desires measurements of the chest wall and breast imprint width as well as knowledge of all breast implant sizes and profiles should make this process easy.

The difference between the 12.5 and 12.75 is pretty small. The volume correction in the difference in cc is likely more important than the small difference in width. You could start a discussion of different profiles of breast implants but that gets a little complicated and likely would not provide for any noticeable change in your final outcome. As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Your breasts are asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. You have stretch marks and areolas that are different diameters. Augmentation alone will be inadequate to correct all the abnormalities. The technique I recommend is a modified Benelli lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, small implants can be placed retro-pectoral. I recommend you consider smaller implants. 450 cc implants weigh 1 lb each and your breasts will descend even further. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the implants 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

Dear YayaLamb,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

Hello, the difference in size between these two implants is fairly subtle. Your surgeon will be in the best position to help you choose your sizes since they will typically have taken measurements and did a full exam.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. The difference in sizes is minimal when considered it spread over the entire width of the implant. I would recommend trying on sizers in your surgeons office so that you can compare what different size implants would look like on your frame. Hope this helps.

You can get two implants if same size, or close, with different diameters. High profile and moderate profiles would be examples of this. In my opinion I wouldn’t try to over guess that aspect of things. It seems like when you try to do that it doesn’t work out well. Most women have sinecssymnetry if the breasts both before and after surgery. Your surgeon can try to get them close but they will never be perfectly symmetric.

Asymmetry of the breasts to some degree is common. You may have heard the phrase that "breasts are sisters, not twins". Using differently sized implants during augmentation can help improve this asymmetry. The difference between the two implants you are considering of 35 cc is equivalent to about 2.5 tablespoons of volume. The difference in the width will not be noticeable in the body. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns. I've included a video on implant selection that I hope you find helpful.