5'4, 115 lbs - 375cc or 400cc?

Question

Hello, I'm 5'4, 115 llbs and had communicated to my doctor that I wanted to become a full C/just barely D. He suggested that I could go anywhere in the range of 375-425CCs. When I tried the trainer bra, with 375 I felt amazing. They didn't have the 400 CC cup on hand, so I tried on a smaller sizer onto of it. I felt a little ridiculous, but obviously my husband is rooting for the bigger size. What's your insight based on your experience?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Get a couple ziplock bags and fill them with 400 cc of water or rice.  Can then wear in your bra for a day and see which size you prefer more.  (Can use common kitchen measuring tools)

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the implant size but remember that it is your body and you need to feel comfortable with the size you choose, both physically and mentally.  Because this is elective cosmetic surgery, I recommend you go with what you feel most comfortable with.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The 25 cc's difference is less than a shot glass or 2 tablespoons of volume (30 cc's each case) so not much difference. It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link.

Jeremiah Redstone, MD · Answer

Picking the right size is a very important decision.  The only way the right size can be determined is by an honest and thorough discussion between you and your PS, so he can tell you what your options are based on your anatomy and you can tell him your wishes in tems of look and size.  Trying on sizer implants is an excellent way to do this.  In my office we often have people come back for a second sizer trial.  Talk with your PS and see if you can borrow the sizers and go out to lunch.  See which size looks and feels best to you.  You are doing the right thing thinking about this carefully before surgery, and I expect you will have a fantastic result.    Best,Jeremiah Redstone MD

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Choosing an implant size is an exciting part of the breast augmentation procedure, but also difficult because of the sheer number of choices.  Though surgeons can't promise a particular cup size with surgery, trying on the implants is a great method to identify the right cc size for you.  Depending on your frame, and the profile and style of implant, 25cc can make a difference in how you perceive yourself in and out of clothing.  Be sure to communicate your desired appearance with your surgeon, they can help guide you, and can provide reassurance that the 375cc implant that you liked will get you to your goal outcome.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your question.  The difference between the two implants is approximately 5 teaspoons.  Not a lot of difference.   Pick the implant that looks best to you.  Having said that,  I hear frequently from patients, at their one year follow up, that they wished they had picked a larger implant.  Best wishes.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question
on which implant size would be best for you. Right now it sounds like you’re considering 375cc and 425cc. Since there is no way to say definitively
over the internet which size would be optimal for you, take comfort in the fact
that the surgeon uses your unique measurements and is able to provide you with
a general range. In many cases the board
certified plastic surgeon can best be your guide as they’ve met with you in
person and heard your aesthetic goals. You may consider doing 3-D imaging;
however with nearly all the breast cases we’ve performed, we’ve found patients
enjoy doing a live “try on” session where they actually can “try on” the
implant in a non-padded bra in our office.This does not give an exact measurement of outcome, rather it gives a
nice idea of what to expect. For patients who desire a more natural look we
like to recommend the shaped implant.For patients who desire a more full, voluptuous look we recommend a
higher profile implant. And remember that all breasts have at least some amount
of asymmetry (we like to say they’re like sisters and not twins). My very best to you. - Dr. Brian Coan

Grady B. Core, MD · Answer

At that height and weight you will be fine with the 375 to 400 assuming you do not have a lot of your own breast tissue. I would avoid going too big as there are other issues you will encounter. For a girl your size we generally go with a 350cc implant which puts them in a D. A 50cc difference in size isn't all that much. I do not use sizer implants but instead rely in a photograph from the patient of an idealized version how they want to look after all is said and done. The photo cannot be from a plastic surgery website but has to show a girls torso as well as shoulders. This gives me an idea of the body image the patient is seeking and I then use this and along with her pre-op photo so that I can determine what size will meet her expectations.  I wish you all the best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Depending on a specific woman's anatomy and goals ( in regards to outcome achieved with breast augmentation surgery), 25 cc may or may not make a “big difference”. For example, for a petite patient striving to achieve a relatively “modest” outcome, 25 cc of a larger volume implant may be noticeable.Given your questions/concerns, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals with your plastic surgeon,  preferably prior to the day of surgery. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant type/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.
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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "B or C 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.
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.

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