Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Question

I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7 with broad shoulders.i can’t decide! I’ve tried on both sizes at the surgeons and though 400cc looked the best but now I’m doubting myself..I really want a natural look! I’m currently a 32aa so as I’ve never had much breast I’m finding it difficult to decide. Thanks all! X

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you are a fairly thin person who doesn't have much breast tissue. I understand you would like to have as much volume as possible from your procedure, however, I'd like to warn you about having large implants placed over the muscle. Unfortunately, most PS will not discuss the risks, complications and maintenance associated with larger implants. Be aware that breasts implants are heavy and when placed on top of the muscle, they tend to descend and cause irreversible skin damage (sagging), chronic pain, nipple numbness, etc. So, please consider a smaller implant to minimize the extent of damage and possible breast implant revision to re-position the implants in the future. You can see/read about these in the breast augmentation revision forum on this site. I believe patients should be well informed before committing to a procedure that has a 30% revision rate. Do your research. This site is a good start!  I hope this helps.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. I would not struggle over a 50 cc differential as this will ultimately represent a subtle change (slightly more than a shot glass). Most patients would have difficulty discerning such a small difference which would amount to mere millimeters of width/projection.As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Ann158,
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

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

There is no significant difference with the two sizes. Usually, surgeons would advise you to choose the smaller size which can give you the same results with a larger one. The appearance of an implant would depend on an individual, even with the same size. This is because each individual has a different chest measurements, so it would be hard to tell which implant size is best for you without an in-person examination.

Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant Type and Sizing Selection

Answer: Implant Type and Sizing Selection

Answer: Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Answer: Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant Type and Sizing Selection

Answer: Implant Type and Sizing Selection

Answer: Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Answer: Is there much difference between 350cc and 400cc over muscle, mod implants? I’m 126lbs, 5ft 7.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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