What bra size will a 225cc-250cc saline implant give me? (photos)

Question

I had another consultation and was told that 400cc was completely impractical for me and my body's width! He measured me at 225cc-250cc but he is not sure how full he can go until he is doing the actual procedure. This is a lot smaller than I anticipated, but I do not want to look "top heavy" and I don't not want complications in the future as he expressed could happen. I am A32 I still want perky, full boobs. Will 225cc make a difference on me?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32, each 100cc is approximately equal to 1 cup size. So, 225cc-250cc will give you an increase of 2-2.5 cup sizes. Please remember that bra manufacturers differ and you may be a different size depending on bra maker. Also, a word of caution. The larger the implant - the higher your risk of complications associated with implants. Although small in comparison to 400cc, they should make a marked difference on your small frame. Bigger is not better when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. I hope this helps.Best wishes,

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Choosing the right size implant depends on any number of factors all of which require an in person exam. My best advise would be for you to "try out" the 225-250cc and see if you like the way that they look either with gel inserts from your surgeon or the at home rice method. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to determine 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 350 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. . 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 below link.#breastaugmentation#findingtherightsize#BA

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The average implant volume placed in the US is 350 cc, so 225 cc is a small implant.  In general, 200 cc may increase you one cup size.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing. The implant choice is made upon measurements, patient goals and physical exam. It's important to have a board certified plastic surgeon evaluate. 225-250 cc vs 400 cc is different indeed. Sometimes pictures of your goals can be helpful for communicating exactly what you are thinking. Another consideration is the location of the implant: above vs below the muscle. Your PS should go through the pros and cons of each as this can also affect the implant selection. If being too "top heavy" is a concern, excessively large implants probably should be avoided as it can also make one's frame seem out of proportion. This is only a small nutshell and not a replacement for a full exam and consultation which can provide much more information. Best wishes!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Bra size will depend on the manufacturer and can vary depending on what brand of bra you buy.  I always suggest using 3D photographic imaging to help choose size.  I would suggest you get several opinions.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Difficult to tell with just your photo and without an in person exam. Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon who takes the time to examine and measure you to determine the best implant size for you. Remember, the goal of breast augmentation is to optimally fill your breast pocket, not just to get you to a certain cup size. At my practice, we utilize a series of 5 breast measurements that help me determine the implant size, which in turn helps me deliver a 24 hour recovery. Do your research and choose a surgeon who takes the time to sit down with you and discuss your goals/expectations and the best implant size for you. Good luck!!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Sean Kelishadi, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  You should see a board certified plastic surgeon and have them pick implants based on your based width.  Go to someone who does a lot of great cosmetic breast surgery and try on implants with a sizing model using implants placed inside of a bra and see for yourself what you prefer. I would definitely get a second opinion and I recommend you consider getting silicone implants instead of saline.

Pouria Moradi, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Without a full examination or even seeing a proper front on image it is impossible to give you accurate advice but having said that 225cc is pretty small.I do realise Americans still use saline implants, but the rest of the world is using form stable silicone implants. You could atleast get a 330-350cc implant in.Your surgeon should be able to know how big you can go prior to surgery, it shouldn't be a guessing game.I hope this helps and good luck.

What bra size will a 225cc-250cc saline implant give me? (photos)

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