Is there a big difference between 400/420 cc and 415/450 cc?? (photos)

Question

I'm having second thoughts and I am nervous I am going a little too big to get the D that I want. Right now I wear 36 B. I am going with under the muscle round gummy bear implant. But I am worried about the amount of CC I chose!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose
a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this
decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid
silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only
into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort
or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

You know it all depends on your frame and your goals.  I would definitely visit with your surgeon again, and ig there is any question it never hurts to get a second opinion.  It looks like you have some simulation imaging, which is helpful.Good Luck!

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

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.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and pictures.  The difference in implant size is very small.  If it helps, go into your kitchen and find a measurement for 1 oz - this equals 30 cc.  See...not much difference.  Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon, their plan, and the pricing which are all part of the patient journey.  Discuss any concerns with your physician or their patient coordinator before surgery.  Cheers and best wishes,Steven Camp MD #HappyCamperMD

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

If you convert 30 cc = one ounce then you can see that there is not much difference in the numbers that you are considering. The final decision is between you and your surgeon so carefully discuss your wishes again. Best wishes.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

The short answer is no.  You probably need closer to the 100 cc range to notice a difference in sizes.

Suresh Koneru, MD · Answer

There is not a whole lot of difference in volume between those 2 sizes.  I tell patients not to get too worked about those small differences.  I would be very cautious about choosing 2 different size implants.  I personally feel, the same volume implant in both sides looks better than putting in 2 different size implants.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Hello NewMe2015HC hope you are having a great start to your weekend, thank you for the question, and uploading your result pictures. I recommend that you keep a close communication with your surgeon he/she will be more helpful than any of us since he/ she has had the examination, and hopefully has seen goal pictures of your desired results, him/her is the best person to address your concerns. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases. Using goal pictures in the communication of your desired outcomes is more beneficial. Good luck on your transformation journey!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  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, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.***Given your concerns and that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgeryGenerally 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.
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.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

If you are concerned that you may be too big then you likely will be..  The 450 cc implant is quite large..  The 400/420 should increase you by 2 cup sizes in the same style and manufacture of bra that you currently wear.Please see our surgeon again to discuss this and make a decision.  Do not have surgery until you're comfortable with your choice.  For more on sizing see the link below:

Is there a big difference between 400/420 cc and 415/450 cc?? (photos)

Answers (10)