Surgeon doesn't want to go larger than 345cc, but I want bigger - should I ask about doing saline implants instead of silicone?

Question

I'm officially booked in for my surgery in January which I'm super excited about. The surgeon has recommended that I do not go any later than a 345 cc full profile due to the width of my breast being about 12 cm. The only problem is I think that I want to be bigger than that. I asked about extra full profile in 400 cc because it is less then 12 cm but they are concerned that I may have a greater risk of complications with that size. Should I ask about doing saline implants instead of silicone?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Using the breast diameter to determine implant size is faulty in my opinion. It may seem precise but it's really not. I think a350 cc implant is a very common size to use but I'm sure you could go bigger. Saline or silicone are both fine. You should read up on the difference and the pros  and cons of each to make a decision.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

One important reason that your surgeon has recommended that you don’t go beyond a certain size is that anything bigger will increase your risk of complications. These complications include wound separation, where the closed incisions reopen, and skin that gets too thinned out in an effort to cover the implants, which can also increase visible rippling. If you really want to go bigger, consider getting the implants in the recommended size now and then waiting to have another surgery at a later time, after tissue expansion occurs and your body is better able to handle larger implants.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. The implant choice process requires an in-person consultation with as there are many factors to take into consideration in this process. However, you should definitely visit with your surgeon again before your surgery to discuss your concerns. You and your surgeon need to be on the same page. I hope this helped. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. Houston, TX.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kreyha977,
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

Surgeon doesn't want to go larger than 345cc, but I want bigger - should I ask about doing saline implants instead of silicone?

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Surgeon doesn't want to go larger than 345cc, but I want bigger - should I ask about doing saline implants instead of silicone?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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