5'3" 114lbs, 375cc vs 400cc, does it make any difference? (Photo)

The short answer to this question is that there is definitely a difference, and the difference is between your ears.Truly, the visual difference would be very small.  However, your emotional reaction to these two implants is very, very important to both you and your plastic surgeon.  Most of my patients pre-operatively worry that the implants are going to be too big, and post-operatively they are shocked at how small the implants actually look when under the tight skin and muscle.My experience after 35 years of doing breast augmentation is that the patients who choose 25 ccs larger are, hands down, happier than the patients who choose 25 ccs smaller in the situation you described above. 

Thank you for your question and photos.  It is difficult to tell if you will look any different with the difference being only 25 cc's, which usually does not produce a dramatic difference.  Please discuss the possibility of "trying on" the implants before deciding on a size.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thanks for your question.  You already have the correct impression that there is a fairly small difference in volume between 375 and 400cc implants so it would be unlikely that one implant would give a substantially different outcome than the other.  If you are still having doubts I would suggest contacting your PS since they have done a full consultation and will have the most insight.

Hi Slice O Heaven,You are correct, the difference is less than one ounce, and would not be noticeable.   First and foremost the implant should fit the dimensions
of your breast and tissue cover. Here are a few tips
for you because this is perhaps the hardest decision for a patient to make, as
well as the surgeon. Also see the video
attached to my answer. Balancing the implant to your over-all body shape
and tissue cover is essential. The main thing is to have the diameter of the implant fit
the diameter of your breast "foot print". The average size chosen over our last 7,000 breast implants was
“350cc”.BUT, 90% of our patients tell us they wish they were
bigger a year after BA.(We will see you
every year for routine checks at no charge.) It’s like your mind incorporates
the "new you" into your own self-image over a period of time. Cup size estimates can be misleading, but I generally advise patients
that they will experience an increase of approximately one cup size per 200 cc.
You can try on implants in the office by
placing them into a special bra. The implant is also flattened somewhat when under
the muscle, so it is a good idea to bump it up a bit. Approximately 1-ounce (25cc) is added to the final volume to account for
flattening of the implant in the partial sub-muscular pocket. Once you decide on a size you like, then add
on 25cc, because in real life the implant will be flattened slightly by your
tissues. Multiple measurements need to
be taken to fit an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon's
office show you the charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles
of silicone and saline from the manufacturer. Then you and your surgeon
can piece together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes,
versus your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive at
a surgical plan.Keep in mind
larger implants tend to have more problems over the years.Since silicone implants wrinkle less than
saline implants, they might be your best bet.

You can
also approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent amount of rice
placed into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in your bra.Wear this around the house for a while, and
see what you think.Implant size must
square with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest wall width.
Multiple measurements of your chest wall
are taken (seven in total). Implant size
selection has been an issue of much discussion.

Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size is
always established preoperatively.Also,
patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal size
and shape. A photo album of patient
pictures is maintained to assist them. These photos ultimately help in determining
where the implants will be placed, since they can be shifted inside (to provide
more cleavage), to the outside, up or superiorly, and down or inferiorly during
surgery. In determining the final size
selection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative measurements
and potential tissue cover.Finally,
your verbal requests are factored into the analysis.

We use
the quick-recovery approach, so click on the web reference link below to have
this explained and you can see the list of Quick-Recovery (Flash-Recovery or
Rapid-Recovery) Breast Augmentation articles from peer-reviewed surgery
journals.It is a surgical procedure that uses
special instruments and techniques to minimize tissue damage and avoid touching
the ribs. It causes far less trauma to surrounding tissue than traditional
approaches, and it dramatically reduces pain and recovery time. In published studies
of BA patients, 95-percent of women interviewed after the procedure returned to
normal daily activities within 24-hours. Quick-recovery BA is not a
“gimmick.”These specialized techniques,
which actually speed recovery and get you back to your daily routine, kids and
work, are published in our plastic surgery journals.Because these PS journals are “peer-reviewed”
and edited, they are the gold-standard in our field as being valid science.
Therefore, these are sound techniques, not marketing hype.

Be sure
to see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of
Plastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic
Surgeons). Also, ask if the PS has an
established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for a
while, about 20-years might be a good gauge.Does the PS offer all three incisions?Discuss the implant type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear"
or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle)
and the "quick-recovery approach."Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t see any on their
website. If they are experienced, they should have several 100 breast
implant patients for you to view. I would also recommend that your doctor
offer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discuss
their experience with you. You need to feel comfortable, so make sure the
environment is safe as in an accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she
has ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals,
which they can provide you.All the
best in 10 days, “Dr. Joe”

This issue is best addressed during your detailed and extensive sizing process that occurs between you and your Surgical team. We take enough time to arrive at a satisfactory decision based on your desires and safety. There will be in my opinion- very little noticeable difference between 375 and 400cc. If you are concerned about regretting not going large enough i would then recommend the 400cc if that was pleasing to you during your sizing process

A 25 cc difference is half of a shot glass for reference. There is no way to reliably pick which implant is right based upon your measurements alone and implant "CCs." Many things, such as skin quality, breast width, skin elasticity, existing breast tissue, chest wall shape, implant size, and implant fill, contribute to your ultimate "look" after augmentation.
No physician can predict what each implant will do on your body until they are "sized in surgery." However, cup size is traditionally a very inaccurate measurement scale (you likely wear different cup sizes in different manufacturers now).
The best way to achieve the look you want after augmentation is the first consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and adequate communication with your surgeon. This is accomplished through the consult, exam, measurements, anatomic assessment, and then in-office sizing. We also encourage patients to bring in photos of the "look" they are trying to achieve. Once all of this has been accomplished, the patient needs to trust their physician to make the "best choice" of likely imperfect options. Then, you will get your "version" of your ideal outcome.

it has always been my experience to go with the larger one.  The difference is minimal and the regret lifelong if you choose the smaller size.  But Dr. Sowder also  has a good point and if you're looking at breast feeding as a bucket list item and have not yet had your children, waiting certainly doesn't hurt.  Yet if this will make your life as happy as it can be, then certainly go for it.  My patients are always counseled to go with the larger one with torn between adjacent sizes.  For confirmation, your surgeon can show you the differences in the dimensions to allay any fears you may have of being too big.  If you feel too big after surgery, you can be assured that the smaller implant would have produced the same feelings.

Your question is a conundrum that has haunted patients for years. No 25 cc's does not make much of a visible size but in my experience the majority of my patients prefer the larger option whenever given the choice. The surgeon must present options based upon breast measurements obtained during tissue-based planning consult. Good luck. Dr. B

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  Your breast shape look good; post-operatively, you will look great with fuller volume.  As you know, bra cup size varies depending on the brand and style of the bra.  With 375-400cc, You will most likely D/DD.  The difference between 375 and 400 is not much.  Best wishes.

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. I also think that your goal photographs are realistic. A difference of 25 cc in breast implant volume  would probably result in a very subtle difference in outcome.Given your questions and concerns, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant type/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 are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining 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. In bra sizers can be useful communication tools also. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "D cup" 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 the communication process.
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 ( after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers). Will
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.