What size is right? 5'6" and 127 pounds and wear a 34A. Scared to look too big! What size is right?

Question

I am scheduled for surgery next Thursday and I'm going in for another sizing appt with husband tomorrow.  I am 5'6" and 127 pounds and wear a 34A.  I would like to be a big b/small c.  Being that I've been small all of my life, trying on sizers made me feel huge.  They looked different at different offices (one used implant sizers, the other used insertable bra with cutlet sizers which looked bigger and sloppier to me).  I said I didn't want to go bigger than 300cc after trying on the 325's so that means I would get the 286 or 304 silicone implants placed subfascially.  I desperately don't want to look big overall, and thus heavier but know so many people say go bigger.  I just want them to look pretty and natural naked and not too huge in shirts.  Not worried about bathing suits and tank tops (that'll be fine) but worried about clothing making me look so much bigger.  And, alternatively don't want to look like I just have tennis balls on my chest.Wondering if I just go with the 304...It's killing me.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is important to have a good rapport with your doc and come to a point where you are not concerned over implant size, the implant should fit like a glove there should not be too much choice

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

In my experience most women are scared of going too big and so are conservative in their size selection.  Then, after the surgery, they regret not going bigger.Speak to your plastic surgeon, understand the difference between different sizes (I am the difference in dimensions, not volume), and feel comfortable with your sizers.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  
In regards to specific size/profile of breast implant, despite good intentions, online consultants will not be able to provide you with  meaningful specific advice.  Ultimately, in person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons will be necessary. Careful measurements, dimensional planning, and careful communication will be key.
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're looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.  
2.  Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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 "big B or small C cup" or "tennis balls" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.  The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
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.  The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Biodimensional planning can help your surgeon determine the right size, shape and position of your breast implant. Sizers or inserts can give you an idea of what it would be like to have fuller breasts, but certainly are not particularly accurate. Even small breast implants can look unnatural if the correct size implant is not used in the ideal position on the chest. One excellent way for patients to communicate their goals is to look at the website of a plastic surgeon you are considering. Find several before images that look like you do to start, with results you find pleasing. The size and shape of the implant may be different from woman to woman based on height, width of chest, etc. But this will help your plastic surgeon to understand your goals. It will also help you to know that you have found a plastic surgeon who shares your aesthetic sensibilities.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

286 to 304 is not a big size difference. You can do a baggy test to see which one you prefer, but you probably will not notice a difference. Best of luck.

What size is right? 5'6" and 127 pounds and wear a 34A. Scared to look too big! What size is right?

Answers (7)

Answer: What size breast implants?

Answer: What size breast implants?

Answer: Implant volume

Answer: Implant volume

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

What size is right? 5'6" and 127 pounds and wear a 34A. Scared to look too big! What size is right?

Answers (7)

Answer: What size breast implants?

Answer: What size breast implants?

Answer: Implant volume

Answer: Implant volume

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.