Does original breast size add to final size?

Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Lone Star Plastic Surgery – Frisco, TX:
Absolutely — your starting breast volume plays a major role in determining your final breast size after augmentation.
Think of it this way: breast implants add volume to the tissue you already have. So: • A 300cc implant on a patient who starts as an A-cup will look very different than the same implant on someone who starts as a full B- or small C-cup. • Your native breast tissue, chest width, and skin stretch all influence how the implant “sits” and how large you appear postoperatively.
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Hi, Thank you for your inquiry. We would love to sit down and talk with you about your concerns. Trying on the implant prior to your surgery is suggested in a sports bra. Schedule a appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Dear Gorgeous7400,

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

Yes; Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. 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, if interested. 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

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing. Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan.
With regards to your specific question, implants create an additive effect. Your final size will be the implant + the native breast.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Yes your original breast size, the amount of tissue you have, the shape of your chest, and even your fold position all matter when considering a breast implant. The implant will create volume in addition to what your currently have. The placement of the implant and the implant type matter as well in terms of the profile, size, and implant brand. When you have a consultation with a surgeon they should consider your anatomy and create a tailored plan to your body and aesthetic look you are trying to achieve!

Yes, your starting breast tissue contributes to your final result. Implants add volume beneath your natural tissue, so the final size and shape are a combination of both. If you start with more breast tissue, the implant may look fuller and softer. If you start with very little tissue, the implant will be more responsible for the overall size and projection.

Your body shape and type also affect your final breast augmentation results, which is why two people with the same size implant can look completely different. During your consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon, he or she can take precise measurements and help you visualize how different implant sizes will look on your frame.

The short answer is yes. The implant will add additional volume to your natural breast size. When selecting an implant there are many factors to consider to help you achieve your goal look. Volume is just one of them. You will also consider type, shape, and style. I've included a video on breast augmentation and implant selection that I hope you find helpful.