220cc implant - will it make a difference on a current A cup? (Photo)

Given your stats (5'2.5”, 62 kg, athletic, low body fat, high muscle mass) and your goal — a very natural change that mainly you notice — you are exactly the type of patient where a Preservé (tissue-preserving) augmentation makes the most sense.Will 220 cc teardrop Motiva implants make a difference?Yes — they will make a subtle but real difference, especially after pregnancy-related deflation.In your frame, ~200–230 cc is typically enough to:Restore lost volumeImprove upper pole gentlyRefill the breast envelope without looking augmentedThat said, in athletic patients:The implant plane and pocket control matter more than shapeTeardrop vs round is less important than how the tissues are preservedWith a Preservé approach, many athletic women actually achieve a more natural look with:Smaller implantsMinimal muscle disruptionPreserved ligament and fascial supportThis avoids the “implant visibility” and unnatural movement that active patients often worry about.Why Preservé is ideal for CrossFit / hybrid trainingA Preservé technique:Minimizes trauma to the pectoralis musclePreserves chest wall biomechanicsReduces animation deformityAllows a faster and safer return to high-intensity trainingThis is especially important for CrossFit-style movements (pull-ups, presses, Olympic lifts).Realistic return-to-gym timelineFor athletic patients with a tissue-preserving approach:Weeks 1–2: Walking, light lower-body workWeeks 3–4: Controlled lower-body + light cardioWeeks 5–6: Gradual upper-body reintroduction (no max lifts)Weeks 6–8: Progressive return to full CrossFit / hybrid trainingTrying to rush heavy upper-body loading earlier increases the risk of implant displacement — even with small implants.

Thanks for your question! If you are looking for a very natural look, 220 will be a great option. It is very natural, subtle, ballerina-breast looking. Best of luck!

If you have confidence in the plastic surgeon with whom you had your consultation, then that is probably the best way to go. It is almost impossible for the rest of us plastic surgeons to match and implant to your expectations. Getting back to working out is usually dictated by the recommendation of your own plastic surgeon. In most cases, it is probably safe to become active immediately and get back into your training at some level in say 7-10 days postop.

Based on the notes included in your picture, you have a base width of 12cm on both sides. The 220cc Motiva Ergonomix2 implants have a diameter of 10.75cm and a projection of 2.6cm. The 220cc Motiva Ergonomix Round implants and the 220cc Motive Round SmoothSilk PLUS implants both have a diameter of 11cm and a projection of 2.7cm. Since the width of the implants are nearly within 1cm of your base width, they will do a nice job of filling out the width of your chest. In terms of volume, 220cc isn’t a huge number, but I wound anticipate being about 1 to 1.5 cup sizes larger than you are now if you choose that size implant.
You mentioned that you feel as though you have a “deflated” appearance to the breasts. If you have a small degree of ptosis/sagging to the breasts or a little bit of skin laxity, that can be compensated for by using implants that are of an adequate volume. I would recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon who performed your physical examination to ensure that he/she feels that a 220cc implant would adequately address the “deflated” appearance that you described.
In terms of recovery, I would say that it partially depends on where the implants are placed. If you have the implants placed “under the muscle” or “dual plane,” it would probably be 6-8 weeks before you could resume high-intensity training. If the implants are placed in the subfascial plane, you could be back in the gym a little sooner, probably closer to 4-6 weeks after surgery. I usually tell my patients that, for you to feel as good as you do today (i.e. no pain/soreness, no bruising, swelling has completely gone away, and implants have settled in position), it will take about three months. From an activity restriction standpoint though, I let my patients resume all activities at six weeks.

Your height and weight indicate you are petite. The dimensional breast measurements in your photograph indicate a small size breast with normal breast dimensions. As you prefer to have a very modest augmentation, a 220 cc implant should give you just that. If it is an acceptable option to place the implant on top of your pectoral muscle, you could return to the gym in approximately 2 weeks. If, for better camouflage, the implant is placed underneath your pectoral muscle, return to the gym would likely be in approximately 4 weeks. Best wishes.

Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear LISSWILLS,

breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient.
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.
Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.
Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.



Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Changes in Breast Shape and fullness are common after pregnancy. The most common issue is the upper pole volume loss. This area is best "filled" in with round implants instead of Teardrop shaped implants. The best size implant is chosen during a personal consultation or suggested by evaluating photos of the area. Diagrams and measurements are useful, but photos or an in-person evaluation is best.

Without an examination in person or photos it is difficult to render a specific opinion or treatment recommendation, but based on your question it is likely you are a good candidate and the Motiva Ergonomix is an excellent choice. I suggest getting your implant placed subfascial. Best of luck to you.

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing. Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look."
With regards to your specific question, I typically recommend limited physical activity for 1 month with an aim to resume full activity by 6-8 weeks.
Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.