I'm planning on getting 339 cc silicone implants. Is this an appropriate implant size given my height and weight?

Hi BoobChick,You have a really small frame.  Here are a few tips for you because this is perhaps
the hardest decision for a patient to make, as well as the surgeon. Also see the video attached to my answer. We spend up to two hours for our BA consults
to be sure there is careful communication. We do a full exam in front of a
full-length mirror taking six exact measurements.We put your photos on a large computer screen
for imaging, and go over your “ideal-size” photos. We then save this
information to your password protected “web account.” First and
foremost the implant should fit the dimensions of your breast and tissue cover.
Balancing the implant to your
over-all body shape and tissue cover is essential.The main thing is to have the diameter of the implant fit the diameter of
your breast "foot print". The average
size chosen over our last 7,000 breast implants was “350cc”.BUT, 90% of our patients tell us they wish they were bigger a year after
BA.(We will see you every year for
routine checks at no charge.) It’s like your mind incorporates the "new
you" into your own self-image over a period of time. 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.
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 1-ounce (25cc) 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 25cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly by your
tissues.Multiple measurements need to
be taken to fit an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon's office
show you the charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles of
silicone and saline from the manufacturer. Then you and your surgeon can
piece together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes,
versus your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive at
a surgical plan.Keep in mind
larger implants tend to have more problems over the years.Since silicone implants wrinkle less than saline
implants, they might be your best bet.You can
also approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent amount of rice
placed into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in your bra.Wear this around the house for a while, and
see what you think.Implant size must
square with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest wall width.
Multiple measurements of your chest wall
are taken (seven in total). Implant size
selection has been an issue of much discussion. Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size is
always established preoperatively.Also,
patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal size
and shape. A photo album of patient
pictures is maintained to assist them. These photos ultimately help in determining
where the implants will be placed, since they can be shifted inside (to provide
more cleavage), to the outside, up or superiorly, and down or inferiorly during
surgery. In determining the final size
selection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative measurements
and potential tissue cover.Finally,
your verbal requests are factored into the analysis. We use
the quick-recovery approach, so click on the web reference link below to have
this explained and you can see the list of Quick-Recovery (Flash-Recovery or
Rapid-Recovery) Breast Augmentation articles from peer-reviewed surgery
journals.It is a surgical procedure that
uses special instruments and techniques to minimize tissue damage and avoid
touching the ribs. It causes far less trauma to surrounding tissue than traditional
approaches, and it dramatically reduces pain and recovery time. In published
studies of BA patients, 95-percent of women interviewed after the procedure
returned to normal daily activities within 24-hours. Quick-recovery BA is not a
“gimmick.”These specialized techniques,
which actually speed recovery and get you back to your daily routine, kids and
work, are published in our plastic surgery journals.Because these PS journals are “peer-reviewed”
and edited, they are the gold-standard in our field as being valid science.
Therefore, these are sound techniques, not marketing hype.Be sure
to see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of
Plastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic
Surgeons). Also, ask if the PS has an
established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for a
while, about 20-years might be a good gauge.Does the PS offer all three incisions?Discuss the implant type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear"
or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle)
and the "quick-recovery approach."Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t see any on their
website. If they are experienced, they should have several 100 breast
implant patients for you to view. I would also recommend that your doctor
offer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discuss
their experience with you. You need to feel comfortable, so make sure the
environment is safe as in an accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she
has ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals,
which they can provide you.All the best, “Dr. Joe”

Hello, thanks for your posted question.  It is not possible to give advice based on the information provided.  During a consult the surgeon will do detailed measurements and base the size on this information and your goals.

Thank you for your question.  The choice of the implant size is often the biggest source of anxiety around a breast augmentation.  There are many different options available in terms of volume and profile which allows us great flexibility in finding an implant that gives the look your are hoping for.I prefer to use a three dimensional approach to implant selection. The width of the implant should match the width of your chest and the base of your breasts.  This avoids the overly large space between the breasts and creates a nice and natural cleavage.  The profile is then selected based on the look you are hoping to achieve.  Based on the above, the volume can then be chosen.  This approach gives the most natural and consistent results in my mind, as opposed to only considering the volume.If there are any concerns over the size you initially selected, I would suggest visiting your plastic surgeon again.  They should be able to go over the best options for you and answer any questions or concerns that you might have.Best of luck with your breast augmentation.Jeff Rockmore

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should
choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in
this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid
silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only
into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort
or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.



The best way to assess and give true advice
would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

Thank you for your question and photographs. 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, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend you voice your concerns with your surgeon, they are in the best position to ensure that the implants the two of your decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question.  The best advice I can give you is to choose a very experienced board certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel very comfortable communicating your goals and desires. From there, many plastic surgeons offer sizers as well as 3D imaging to give you a very realistic idea about how various size implants look on your body. Our imaging system also shows how you might look in a bathing suit, evening clothes, etc. and many patients find this very helpful.  As many plastic surgeons will tell you, there is a big variation in bra sizes and it's important not to get too focused on cup size, but rather on getting the natural type of results you desire and those that are proportionate to your frame. Best of luck.  

Hi Boobchick. I appreciate your questions. Unfortunately, there's no way to give you specific answers about size without seeing you in consultation and performing an examination. I can suggest you consider some principles I use to "guide" patients when choosing a breast cup for their breast augmentation. A key for me is using the Mentor Volume Sizing System of breast sizers to demonstrate how these different volumes will look on your body. Your surgeon will also measure your breasts and discuss which implants will look the best. You will have to go into the office to do this:1) When measurements are considered then options for sizes can be presented. 2) The best guide for a final breast implant size recommendation is derived using measurements from the patient’s own breasts and chest. 3) Explore reasonable options for breast implant size, usually two to three similar sizes, which allows the patient to visualize how different volumes affect their breast cup.You can see results of round and shape implants in the link below! Best wishes always,Dr. Aldo

It sounds as though that's a good size for you.  I've had many patients your size get the same implants and they are very pleased.Good luck!

It is difficult to suggest the appropriate sized implant for you without examining you in person. Best of luck.

Thank you for the question.  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, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) 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 know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” or "disproportionate" 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.