Surgeon says 200cc teardrop unders for me will this be too small?

It is very difficult to determine the best lift you will need (recommended based on your photos) or 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 300 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. The same process goes for just filling in the upper part of your breast without becoming much larger. 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 link below including silicone vs saline implants

The number one complaint patients have post breast augmentation is that they wish they had gone bigger. Typically for your size you will likely only get just around a cup size with 200. This may not give you the size your looking for.  It is always best to try on sizes so that you are able to convey to your surgeon what volume you think is the size you would like to be. Then both you and the surgeon discuss if that size will fit and give you the look your hoping for. Too many time we see patients that have gone to other plastic surgeons where the doctor did not listen to the patients desires and instead picked what the doctor thought would look good on them. Then the patients were left upset that they felt too small. I would suggest a second opinion.

For a 5'4" size 6 woman with 32AA to 32A breasts, 200cc will not achieve your goals. Can't say this "for sure" without an examination or at least a photo, but after nearly 30 years and thousands of augmentations, I'm pretty confident you have every right to be concerned.

Please read my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation by clicking on the web reference link below. Then obtain another couple of consultations with ABPS-certified plastic surgeons who do lots of breast surgery, even if you have already decided this surgeon is your best choice. (Hint: I think not.)



You don't "lose" volume by going submuscular, but muscular compression gives the appearance of 10-15% less volume, so if you liked the look of 250cc sizers in a bra, I would use smooth round (Inspira) cohesive 280-290cc implants in a profile that matches just under your breast base diameter. Above the muscle is too high a risk for capsular contracture, not to mention ripples or edge visibility due to your natural lack of tissue coverage. Also, teardrop implants don't move as naturally as smooth round implants, which are teardrop-shaped when you are upright anyway. And teardrop implants stay teardrop-shaped when you are reclining, whereas round implants and naturally larger breasts flatten out and move slightly to the side--making teardrop-shaped implants LESS natural (more "fake"). Just saying.



You need additional information; click the link and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Hello and thank you for your question.  The size of the implant is based on your desired
breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue
quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion
with equal input from both you and your surgeon. 
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Two hundred cc implants do sound small and will likely not get you to a C cup.  However if your skin envelope is very tight and your lower pole is tight or constricted, it may be the best option to get a nice result, otherwise the implants will be pushed up and not look natural.  Best wishes, Dr. T. 

Thank you for your question and photographs.  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 recommend seeing an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon, they are in the best position to ensure that the implants the two of your decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations.  It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like.  Best wishes!

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



#RealSelf100Surgeon



#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Ask your surgeon to show you photos of patients with your same build and breast size that have gotten 200 cc augmentation

At your height of 5'4" and a bra size of a 32A, a 200 mL implant does sound a bit small to me, particularly considering you want to be a C cup.

One of the best ways to determine the proper size is to have your plastic surgeon place "sizers" and a bra with a T-shirt and view yourself in a full length mirror. Try sizes that are both too small and too large so that you know the limits of what appeals to you better. You can then choose something in between and you can narrow it down to what you like.

Since you are unsure of the implant size that you have chosen, you should schedule for another appointment with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

First, I don't like the tear-drop implants. They are marketed to make you think that all round implants look fake and only a tear-drop can look natural and that is simply not true.  A small, round implant under the muscle is a great implant and very natural look. For a 32 inch chest, 125cc is about a "cup." So, 200cc may make you a B+? It's impossible to accurately tell you an implant size without an exam, but most 32inch chests in my practice would get a 255cc or 285cc moderate plus profile implant by Sientra.  Maybe consider another in person consult.  Good luck.