Implant size? Is 300cc a good size to keep?

Hi Ovolulu,First and foremost the implant should fit the dimensions
of your breast and tissue cover. Here are a few tips
for you because this is perhaps the hardest decision for a patient to make, as
well as the surgeon. Also see the video
attached to my answer. Balancing the implant to your over-all body shape
and tissue cover is essential.The main thing is to have the diameter of the implant fit
the diameter of your breast "foot print". The average size chosen over our last 7,000 breast implants was
“350cc”.BUT, 90% of our patients tell us they wish they were
bigger a year after BA.(We will see you
every year for routine checks at no charge.) It’s like your mind incorporates
the "new you" into your own self-image over a period of time. Cup size estimates can be misleading, but I generally advise patients
that they will experience an increase of approximately one cup size per 200 cc.
You can try on implants in the office by
placing them into a special bra.The implant is also flattened somewhat when under
the muscle, so it is a good idea to bump it up a bit. Approximately 1-ounce (25cc) is added to the final volume to account for
flattening of the implant in the partial sub-muscular pocket. Once you decide on a size you like, then add
on 25cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly by your
tissues.Multiple measurements need to
be taken to fit an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon's
office show you the charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles
of silicone and saline from the manufacturer. Then you and your surgeon
can piece together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes,
versus your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive at
a surgical plan.Keep in mind
larger implants tend to have more problems over the years.Since silicone implants wrinkle less than
saline implants, they might be your best bet.You can
also approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent amount of rice
placed into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in your bra.Wear this around the house for a while, and
see what you think.Implant size must
square with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest wall width.
Multiple measurements of your chest wall
are taken (seven in total). Implant size
selection has been an issue of much discussion. Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size is
always established preoperatively.Also,
patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal size
and shape. A photo album of patient
pictures is maintained to assist them. These photos ultimately help in determining
where the implants will be placed, since they can be shifted inside (to provide
more cleavage), to the outside, up or superiorly, and down or inferiorly during
surgery. In determining the final size
selection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative measurements
and potential tissue cover.Finally,
your verbal requests are factored into the analysis. We use
the quick-recovery approach, so click on the web reference link below to have
this explained and you can see the list of Quick-Recovery (Flash-Recovery or
Rapid-Recovery) Breast Augmentation articles from peer-reviewed surgery
journals.It is a surgical procedure that uses
special instruments and techniques to minimize tissue damage and avoid touching
the ribs. It causes far less trauma to surrounding tissue than traditional
approaches, and it dramatically reduces pain and recovery time. In published studies
of BA patients, 95-percent of women interviewed after the procedure returned to
normal daily activities within 24-hours. Quick-recovery BA is not a
“gimmick.”These specialized techniques,
which actually speed recovery and get you back to your daily routine, kids and
work, are published in our plastic surgery journals.Because these PS journals are “peer-reviewed”
and edited, they are the gold-standard in our field as being valid science.
Therefore, these are sound techniques, not marketing hype.Be sure
to see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of
Plastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic
Surgeons). Also, ask if the PS has an
established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for a
while, about 20-years might be a good gauge.Does the PS offer all three incisions?Discuss the implant type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear"
or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle)
and the "quick-recovery approach."Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t see any on their
website. If they are experienced, they should have several 100 breast
implant patients for you to view. I would also recommend that your doctor
offer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discuss
their experience with you. You need to feel comfortable, so make sure the
environment is safe as in an accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she
has ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals,
which they can provide you.All the
best, “Dr. Joe”

Hello, in order to select implants the surgeon needs to take into consideration your desired final size, your body type and breast anatomy.  Implants in the 300cc range can make a significant difference in breast size on a smaller person yet they may not make a major change on a very large person.  This is why a consultation is so important.  If you are unclear about your implant choice it would be worthwhile getting a few more in-person opinions.

There is no way to reliably pick which implant is right based upon your measurements alone and implant "CCs." Many things such as your skin quality, breast width, skin elasticity, existing breast tissue, chest wall shape and implant size and implant fill all contribute to your ultimate "look" after augmentation.
No physician can predict what each implant will do on your body until they are "sized in surgery." However, cup size is traditionally very inaccurate measurement scale (you likely wear different cup sizes in different manufacturers now).
The best way to achieve the look you want after augmentation is first a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and adequate communication with your surgeon. This is accomplished through the consult, exam, measurements, anatomic assessment and then in-office sizing. We also encourage patients to bring in photos of the "look" they are trying to achieve. Once all of this has been accomplished, the patient needs to put their trust into their physician to make the "best choice" of likely imperfect options. Then, you will get your "version" of your ideal outcome.
Best of luck,Vincent Marin, MDSan Diego Plastic Surgeon

The best
cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a
variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, realistic expectations,
a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an
understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper
sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue,
breast dimensions which include the width,
height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered
when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and
volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit at a preoperative
visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The
cups of a 32 C and a 38 C are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. There is also no
direct correlation between an implant size or shape and resultant cup
size.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other
website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you,
physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full
medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure
would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon
be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Choice of implant type and size depends on so many factors and it will ultimately be determined after a frank discussion between you and your surgeon keeping in mind several factors including measurements from your breast exam, your desired breast cup size and shape, cost, implant style etc.. Although there may be general guidelines, there is no set formula for determining the optimal implant for you. Breast augmentation is customized to your needs and goals. This is where you have to trust your physician's expertise and recommendations to some extent.

Thank you for the good question. Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging) will be critical.

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. Sometimes, if in doubt, it is helpful to meet with a few well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

If the doctor was not able to explain things to you and clearly help you define your goals, get other opinions. Also posting pictures of yourself would give on-line consultants more info so as to render a more informed opinion.

Thank you for your question and size is an individual choice based on measurements and putting implants in a bra till you see the volume on yourself you like.  So go on more consults with experts in your area and see what you likeDr Corbin

Size is relevant as to what appearance you expect the implant to produce. Without photo's I would say that a 300 cc implant is reasonable.

Without examining you in person it's impossible to be precise and make a recommendation for you.  However, a 300 cc implant is a conservative and generally natural looking size for most women your size.  It is certainly neither too conservative nor too large.Discuss with your doctor what cup size (or better yet) what proportioning he thinks you'll achieve with that implant size and ask if he will have sizers available and other size permanent implants to choose from at the time of your surgery.  Having a variety of available implants allows for a most precise implant selection based upon how they actually look once placed inside your body.Enjoy your results and follow the post operative instructions carefully while you are healing.