5'3", 125 lbs, petite frame. Sientra sizing question - 290cc or 330cc? Or won't it matter much?

Question

PS says he'd be inclined to go to 330 oval, moderate profile. Now a 34B and want a one cup increase. Goal is to look great nude and balance hip line and bust. I'd like a natural look, meaning not too large or too round, and want a slope on the upper pole. Don't like the defined round visible line at the top of the breast, as this a dead giveaway of a BA. No 24/7 cleavage - push up bras do this well. Realistic or too picky? Thanks.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Jordanna.Some people might not think 40 ccs would make a big difference, but this is a very personal decision for you, so every little cc matters. As someone else pointed out, you've got a petite frame, so the difference between the two sizes might be visible, at least to your eyes. I think that since you're going with the oval shape and moderate profile, that will go a long way towards the natural results you want. In general, among patients who are struggling between 2 sizes, I find that more women wish they had gone slightly bigger than smaller. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon if you're still not sure, and maybe he or she can help you visualize the differences with digital imaging. I commend you for being so thorough and doing your homework. Best of luck with your surgery.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The 40cc difference will likely not be a visible difference. I think either size implant will give you more than 1 cup increase.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Erica,   It is difficult to answer your questions with front and side view pictures. During my practice of over 27 years, I have noticed that many women tend to over estimate their breasts cup size, mainly because 'Victoria secrets' make the cup size smaller, so women can feel better about themselvs. It is extremely important for the surgeon,  to take himself the chest and breasts circumference measurements. Based on the above mentioned experience of mine , let's assume that you are 34 small  A cup. A very faminine and attractive size will be 34 full C cup. For you to get to this size, you will need implants with volume of , roughly, 400 cc. For just a C cup - 300 cc. I use almost exclusively smooth, round , moderate profile saline implants. In my opinion, this will give you a beautiful and natural looking and feeling breasts. In order to get a nice and permanent cleavage, the surgeon has to do a meticulous dissection of the chest bone muscles under direct vision and digital feel. This can be done best thorough the sub areola incision. To get a natural slope without the fake, cut off line of the upper pole, you have to do implants displacement massage  which allows the implants to settle down and avoids , most of the time, capsule contracture. I teach all my patients the massage technique. Consult only with board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive. Check also the 'realself' reviews for positive patients experience which provides important information on the surgeons.                              Best of luck,                                             Dr Widder

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I do not think your size range will result in a large size difference in clothing.  I do think it will be a small difference without clothing.  It is much better to accurately discuss implant volume with an in office exam and detailed measurements. In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements/characteristics. I use these measurements to help me during the sizing process to guide you to a safe result for your chest wall and just as important, one that meets your end desires.The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor. The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant. It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you during the sizing process. In addition, review of photos and use of rice bags can be very helpful to the patient and surgeon in achieving a safe and happy result. Close intereaction and involvement from your surgeon during this process can help alleviate the anxiety and fears of choosing the right size. I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.Dr. Gill

Sharon Y. Giese, MD · Answer

Subtleties make all the difference from a good result to a great one.  In your case that may be close to a 1/2 cup size difference. 3 D computer imaging may help you.  I use Crisalix in my office and it has helped many patients.  It's a matter of taste and can be hard to predict what you will like when you don't have much breast tissue.

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

The difference between a 290cc breast implant and 330cc implant is small but may be significant in someone with a petite frame.  Your specific measurements and breast exam as well as your own aesthetic goals are key to making the decision.  Using 3D digital imaging software in your doctors office can help you make that choice by accurately viewing how each implant will look on your body.   I don't think you are being too picky.  The most common reason for reoperation after breast augmentation is because the patient is unhappy with the size that was selected.  So it is important to be confident in your choice before proceeding.

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to give you an answer without a picture and measurements. I would advise you seek the advise of your local plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you need to be seen in person to be properly sized.  It is impossible to do suggest what is right for you without an exam.  Best of luck.

Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a tough question to answer without photos.  But both are relatively small implants.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Actually, on a smaller framed patient, 40 cc difference can be quite noticeable. As you consider breast augmentation surgery, the most important decision you make is NOT size/profile of breast implant, but selection of plastic surgeon. 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.  Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "B or C cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.   Therefore, I ask that my patients not base their communication preoperatively OR  their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery postoperatively, on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
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.  The use of temporary intraoperative sizers, viewing the patient's breasts in the upright and supine position, are very helpful during the breast implant selection process.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation for petite patients), helps.  Best wishes.

5'3", 125 lbs, petite frame. Sientra sizing question - 290cc or 330cc? Or won't it matter much?

Answers (12)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (12)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

What is the best implant profile for the most cleavage? (photos)

Should I opt for scar revision on my breast augmentation scars? (photos)

7 weeks post op Breast Augmentation. Is it infected? What needs to be done? Is it normal? (photos)

Is it normal to loose energy on 1 arm after a breast augmentation? What can I do?

What can I do to get smaller breast? Does the pills work?

5 months post op BA, I have waterfall affect. I have two options to fix it but not which one to pick. Any suggestion? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS