5'9, 153lbs. Getting cold feet, is 500cc too much for my BA? (photos)

I think, with your measurements, you are in the correct range.  However, leaning towards the 500, as you have indicated, comes with certain risks.  The question is can 500 cc in a thin woman appear  "natural" as you desire?  That really depends upon what your definition of "natural" is, and warrants a thoughtful discussion.  As well, often when the patient is aiming for a larger implant, with "natural" goals, I prefer a gummy bear, shaped implant, which decreases the tendency for that upper pole "Pam Anderson "look.  In cases like yours, I put a lot of weight into how the sizing session goes.  Make sure you are having a lot of back and forth with your surgeon on this one.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hi there,I'm in agreement with the excellent responses from the other surgeons.  But, I'll add a couple of other considerations that were not specifically addressed.Have you had kids?  Do you plan to have kids?  and also to breast feed?  Did you try on implant sizers with your surgeon?  Did you discuss under or over the muscle? This will have an effect on the amount of cleavage you see. All of these factors have a role in determining the longevity of the final result and the  chance of future revisionsYour chest width and height can handle a fuller  (400-500cc) implant however, if your soft tissue is 'tight,'  (often the case with women who have not had children) it's not always so simple to get a large implant in place.Also, the larger the implant, the heavier it is and the faster it will drop over time.  And, if you can get the look you want with the 400cc range, might be the better choice...you don't want to go from looking sexy to looking boxy or matronly within the year because of an implant that is too full. The pics that you shared look OK now, if you could see them in 5 years, you might think otherwise.If you haven't had a chance to ask these questions, make the time to get in for a second visit before your procedure.In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. Although your height may allow you to look  proportional with a larger implant, an implant sizing system may help you make a more informed decision. Choosing the right implant size is based on several factors including  chest wall and breast measurements. Picking the right implant should be a collaborative discussion between you and your surgeon. You should be 100% comfortable with your choice before you undergo surgery.  I hope this helps and good luck with your upcoming surgery. 

It may be helpful to you to view some images of your body with various implant sizes and styles. 500 is quite a large implant, but at 5'9" your body may accommodate it well. Vectra image analysis can provide nice accurate simulations of what your body will look like. More accurate than the rice test. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.   500cc is a large implant.  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.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. 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 breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

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.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!

Hard to answer this without an in person exam and specific breast measurements (and not just your height/weight). Remember also that there is no direct correlation between implant size (cc's) and cup size. Best option is to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who actually takes the time to measure you and examine your breast pocket. Sizers will only give you a rough estimate. The goal of breast augmentation is to optimally fill your breast pocket, not to overstuff or understuff it. At my practice, we utilize a series of 5 breast measurements that help me determine the ideal implant size, which in turn helps me deliver a 24 hour recovery. Do your research and choose a surgeon who takes the time to sit down with you and discuss your goals/expectations to determine the best size for you. Good luck!!

 A tall woman can carry a large breast  much more gracefully than a shorter woman with the same  frame.  BUT, there are many other issues to  consider....your age, tentative pregnancies and  the influence of a very large augmentation on the  shape of your  breasts following pregnancy and nursing( should you plan it). I would tend to favor a  smaller implant. 

Hello, thank you for your question.  Implant sizing can seem like a daunting task, and it does involve trust between you and your surgeon to allow the surgeon to make the ultimate decision in the operating room.  Sizing depends on many factors, such as breast tissue quality/elasticity, chest width, size goals, and others.  In general, 500cc is a large implant.  Although your frame may accommodate it, placing the largest possible implant is not always the right answer.  Larger implants do have higher complications rates in terms of implant malposition, rippling, visible implant edges, and capsular contracture.  3D imaging, implant sizers, and the rice test can all help determine a range of sizes that you want.  I recommend discussing these issues with your surgeon before your operation.  Good luck!