5’0 115lbs starting at 32C, can I get a second opinion on picking the best implant size? (Photos)

I recommend consultation with a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. 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. You should also be aware that results of surgery can change in the future with significant weight change and/or stretching of skin from the milk of pregnancy. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame

Good evening!
Conventional wisdom says always choose the larger of the two sizes you are considering- almost no one comes back and says their implants are too large!

There is not a lot of difference between the 400cc, 415cc, and 450cc in overall result.
Breast implant size has nothing to do with bra cup size - which varies with each bra manufacturer as you noted. The average implant volume placed in the US is 350 cc. A very general estimate is that one cup size is 150 to 200 cc of volume, but realize that no direct correlation exists between the two.
None of the modalities to approximate final results from breast implants are 100% accurate; they merely facilitate the patient and the board certified PS concurring on the size and type of breast implant which will come the closest to reaching the patient's goal. My patients prefer to try on sizers under garments they typically wear (as you did) to determine if they fit as expected and help allay some of their trepidation associated with this decision.
I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.

Thank you for your question and photographs. I think you are starting from an excellent position and should anticipate a nice result. 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. I would continue to work with your plastic surgeon to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. The sizing your are listing would leave you with a large overall breast size so try on the sizers again to get a visual representation again. Best wishes

Dear aruss008,
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

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and trying on sizes again. With your own breast tissue, I think the smaller size will look very nice and not be too big.

The difference between a 415 and a 450cc is so small that people will not notice the difference unless you tell them. I always recommend going with the larger of two implants that you like because you will have some tissue thinning with implant placement and your implants will appear slightly smaller once you are healed. I have never had a patient regret going with the slightly bigger implant, but I definitely get patients who regret going with the smaller implant. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon​

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, 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. or the type of implant. 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 suit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

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

Thank you for the question and photos and size is an individual decision based on measurements and putting implants in a bra till you see the volume on your chest that you like. So if you have concerns go resize till you the the volume that you like.

Dr Corbin

Thank you for your question. Based on your photograph you have excellent anatomical normal full breasts. Placing the implants underneath the muscle does not make them look smaller. As the implants drop over the first 3-4 months may push the breast forward and look what you would expect with your chosen size. I would stick with your choice of 400 cc and not go larger.