Is 525cc too much? I'm 5'7" and 120 lbs. I want a round, full natural look (Photo)

It really depends on how much your body's soft tissues will stretch to accommodate an implant of that size. I would imagine an implant slightly smaller than 525 would be better suited for your frame, perhaps somewhere in the 400-450cc range, but you and your surgeon will not know for sure until you're actually in the surgery. The use of sizers may help determine which volume size fits best, but you can't force an implant into a tight space as this could lead to future complications. Consult with your plastic surgeon again if you are still uncertain or seek a second opinion.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Dear Ms. SperryRose , 







Thank you for your questions and photos. Unfortunately without measurements, evaluation of your skin elasticity and a exam of your tissues I can can only comment based your story and photos. However, I hope you find my following comments helpful.There are many variables besides just implant volume:Size/volume of implant.                   A)Realizing there are no standard bra (strap/cup) sizes, purchase several bras (full bodied and no padding) of the strap and cup size you think you want to be. B)take a measuring cup (1 oz30cc) place rice in a nylon. Therefore 10 oz. 300cc.C) try on various volumes of rice with some form fitting clothes.

D) most women are NOT perfectly symmetrical either in volume, shape and nipple/areolar position. Usually differential sized implants can be used if there is a significant breast volume discrepancy (usually greater than 50-75 cc difference in volumes). Intra operative maneuvers can be used to improve nipple areolar and breast symmetry. If needed after the breasts have “seated” (final position) and if desired the nipple/areolar position can be adjusted under local anesthesia as a minor surgery in the office. Profile of the implant                                    A) for the same volume the higher the profile the narrower the base width. B)there is very little difference in the ultimate and final nipple projection or breast projection between profiles. C) In my opinion the base width of the breast should equal the base width of the implant to eventually obtain maximum cleavage and prevent lateral (increased side) breast volume. Thus I personally chose the profile based on the patients chest measurements, (a high profile on a wide chest may not result in the cleavage desired and conversely a low profile on a narrow chest may result in implant in the outside arm area).
D)There are 3 companies that Most plastic surgeons have access to all companies. Allergan has the most profile choices. 
F)Cleavage is largely determined by your anatomy. This can be optimized by choosing the best profile implant and postoperative implant displacement excercises towards the midline of your chest.


Shape of the implant:A)for the vast majority of cosmetic patients I recommend what are referred to as “round” implants
B) for reconstructive patients shaped/form stable implants are often used because of acquired lack of breast tissue. 
Placement of ImplantA)decision of implant(subpectoral, dual plane, or suprapectoral) will be determined based on your anatomy and long term goals and benefits. Placement under the muscle and dual plane are associated with the lower chances of capsular contracture.B) Location of the implant on the chest wall will depending on your specific goals ie upper pole fullness (high and “fakery”), neutral (full slope) or lower pole fullness.Filler Material A) silicone gel feels more like breast tissue, less potential rippling, comes prefilled cannot adjust size intraoperatively and larger incisions to place compared to equal sized (non prefilled) normal saline implants.B) Normal saline implants can be adjusted in size intraoperatively, if ruptures normal saline absorbs, potential increase rippling compared to silicone gel, smaller incision to place normal saline implants as compared to prefilled silicone gel implants.I hope you found the above helpful. Nothing substitutes for a person evaluation and discussion of your specific options. I suggest you collect several nude model photos of the goal breast shape you desire and schedule several additional consultative appointments with experienced Plastic Surgeons or if you have chosen a Plastic Surgeon please make sure he/she is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes 

Robert Hardesty MD, FACS               Diplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgery
wwwimagineplasticsurgery.com                     4646 Brockton Ave                            Riverside, Ca 92506                                          (951) 696-7600

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for a breast augmentation.  525cc is a large implant size for you.  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.  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. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon