Why do implant sizes look so different on everyone? (Photo)

Question

I've been googling pictures of sizes and on on one person a size in the 200 range looks like a huge change and others list a 5 or 600 size and the change isn't nearly as dramatic! With mine I am hoping to go from barely there at all A to what I was before children C. Maybe even breast feeding size. chest measures 31 around and 12.5. I'm desperately not wanting people to think "for sure she got those done" but I don't want to go so small it's not worth doing. I am considering 345, 385 and 415?

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

That's a great question - when looking at photos of other women, I advise my patients to make sure you compare apples to apples.  Look for someone who started out with your same build (height, breast size, amount of droopiness, approximate chest width/height).   A 300cc implant will look dramatically different in a 5'1" 120 lb woman who wears an A cup compared to a 5'11" 180 lb woman who starts with a C.  I recommend getting measured by a plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast implant surgery to determine the best implant range for you, and I really like using Vectra 3D imaging to help patients get an idea about what different size implants would look like in their bodies.Best wishes!Dr. Michelle SpringGlacier View Plastic Surgery

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This is exactly what makes augmentation an individual process. It is not a one-size-fits all and depends on how much breast tissue you naturally have, the shape of your breasts and a number of other factors. In choosing your implant you want to take in to account the base size of your breast and how much projection you are looking for. There are so many implant options and these are best discussed in consultation with a plastic surgeon. It sounds like the range that you are looking at 345-415cc is reasonable for what you want and the difference between each of those sizes will not be that noticeable. Good luck! #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #BreastImplants #Boobjob #choosingimplants

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. You are absolutely correct in that the same breast implants may achieve a very different outcome for different patients. Much will depend on each individual patient starting point. For example, patients may start off with a different volume of breast tissue natively, different chest wall contour ( concave versus convex)  and more or less breast skin elasticity.The best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery 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're 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 “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.    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. I hope this (and the attached link) help.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  The reason for implants looking different from person to person is because of the differences in everyone's anatomies.  Also, the placement of the implants can affect their appearance.  Regardless, to determine what would be best for you, you need to be seen in person by a board-certified plastic surgeon who will be able to tell you what would be best for you based upon your physical assessment and realistic surgical goals.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

Your
surgeon will determine what implant size is best for you by a process called
“dimensional planning.”There are
many measurements that need to be assessed when deciding on breast implant size,
including chest width, height, weight and breast width. This is in addition to
implant volume, shape, material, etc.Looking
at all these elements simultaneously definitely means there ends up being a lot
of variation in the results of a breast augmentation! The results are always
unique to the patient.

Why do implant sizes look so different on everyone? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Many factors go into how implants will affect your appearance.

Answer: Many factors go into how implants will affect your appearance.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why do implant sizes look so different on everyone? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Many factors go into how implants will affect your appearance.

Answer: Many factors go into how implants will affect your appearance.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.