5’7”, 153lbs, 38C, 300cc - am I going too small? (Photo)

Most patients are very happy with their outcome after surgery with implants. Doing a concurrent lift does mean some of your tissue will be removed to accomplish the lift. Going with a slightly larger size can help balance that out.

Unfortunately, your photograph is inadequate. At size 38, each 200 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. 300 cc implants would take you up 1 1/2 cup sizes and 400 cc implants would take you up 2 cup sizes. The weight of the implants may effect the lift. More information is needed to give you an accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts 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. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear Lmbailey0603,
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

If you liked the size of 300, then consider 325-350 cc implants. The 400-450 cc's will give you an additional cup increase from the 300 cc size.

Hello and thank you for your questions and your picture. It seems that your body will accommodate any implant size from 300 mL to likely 450 mL. The final look depends also on your native breast tissues. The question now remains: what is you’re aesthetic goal. Only you can answer that question. If you are unsure, I recommend that you schedule an additional visit with your surgeon and do the sizing again and go with what you feel is the best for you.

Best wishes!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Every individual has a different concept of “normal” breast size. In addition, there is no standardization of bra size in the manufacturing industry. One company’s “C” is another company’s “D”.
There are various ways to determine desired breast size. Bringing in “wish pix” to demonstrate to your surgeon will make him / her aware of your anticipated goals. Placing an implant in a bra gives an extremely rough idea of anticipated breast size. One may estimate volume by adding rice to a baggie (1 cc = 1 ml) and adding the volume to your breast beneath a bra. Some surgeons offer computer imaging.
Implant sizing is a lot more than volume ("cc.") The specific dimensions of your chest wall must be taken into consideration. The width of the breast, your desired projection, and the desired volume together determine the correct range of implant sizes.
An important measurement is the base width of the implant. If you drop a vertical line from the medial most and lateral most aspects of the breast, and measure the distance between them, this suggests a base width (the footprint of the implant. If an implant is too narrow, you will not have adequate cleavage. If wider than the base width, you will have excessive cleavage and “lateral boob”. The fill of the implant then determines the amount of forward projection. I recommend you visit an implant website (e.g. Mentor, Allergan, etc.) as they will list base widths, fill options, and projections for each implant size they offer.
During a lift, only skin is removed...breast tissue is not removed, but the breast may appear smaller due to change of shape.
You can trust the recommendations of a board-certified plastic surgeon. If unsure, seek a second discussion with your doctor to ensure you are on the same page.
Best wishes…