Is 500cc too big for my frame? (Photo)

Question

I’m 5ft3/160cm and weigh 111lbs. I have a petite figure, currently with small bust at A/B cup. I’m wanting to achieve the rounded, almost ‘stuck on’ look, but am worried the width will be too wide for my frame? I had a consultation and was told 500cc, high profile will be ok on me as my maximum. Is this righ for would you recommend I go smaller?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan. 
Based upon your photos/goal photos, you are seeking a dramatic less "natural" result. A HP device is recommended. I tend to favor conservative sizing. However, when considering your goal photos a HP 500 ml does not seem unreasonable.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear honeybellex,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A 500cc implant on your small frame will look large but without examining you it's not possible to say if it is too wide for you. I uses sizers during surgery to help select the implant that fits best in the breast space and best matches my patient's goals for surgery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Have you tried on sizers? Sizers are implants you can put into your bra. You’ll be able to get a better understanding of how you may look and feel after your surgery with 500cc.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

To answer your questions, one has to measure the width of your chest. It cannot be done on a picture. Then your surgeon needs to see on the chart of the brand you are interested, to see your options for the width of your chest. If your chest is narrower than the implant, it will either go over your chest bone and risk symmastia or fall in your arm pit.

Is 500cc too big for my frame? (Photo)

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Answer: Sizers

Answer: Sizers

Answer: 500 cc breast implants

Answer: 500 cc breast implants

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Is 500cc too big for my frame? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Sizers

Answer: Sizers

Answer: 500 cc breast implants

Answer: 500 cc breast implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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