Will 520cc silicone implants look too unnatural on me?

Question

I am 5’ 7” and 190 lbs. I had a consultation with a surgeon who suggested 520cc implants but I can’t decide wether or not it will be big enough. I am currently a full B cup but I can’t find any example photos of women that are around my height and weight that have had an augmentation.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

In my practice, I think I can give my patients the best idea of what a given volume look like by using sizers in a sports bra. This allows you to stand in front of the mirror and make your own decision if a given size is good for you.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Natural is ultimately determined by "the eye of the beholder." It is generally understood to mean that the volume and projection of the result suits the frame. Thus it is ultimately a function of patient characteristics and implant volume.Profile terminology will vary from one manufacturer to the next. The terminology matters less than the correlate dimensional measures.
As one goes up in profile the footprint or BWD of the device will shrink and the projection will increase for a given volume. I have found that full profile Allergan implants correlate closely with high profile Mentor implants. These devices exhibit higher projection than similarly sized moderate (+)/moderate profile devices. Ultra high profile is simply the next step upwards in projection.
Patients are encouraged to stay within the boundaries defined by their BWD. This is the best way to avoid the dreaded "fake" look. I generally recommend that patients with smaller frames who are seeking more than a modest augmentation consider a higher profile device.The higher profile device will impart greater projection and thus a less subtle result but will allow for a more significant augmentation than a similarly sized Mod/Mod+. Thus, the ultimate question is one of volume. Is the volume you can achieve via a similarly sized Mod + profile implant adequate to reach your desired goals? If not, a HP will afford you more volume at the cost of subtlety.
The difference between higher and lower profiles for a given volume is projection and for a given width is volume (with the high profile implant being greater in both scenarios). The moderate plus is the most commonly used profile in my practice. It allows for the most reasonable volume in given BWD. In my practice, low profile implants are the least commonly used (widest and flattest). I will typically reserve high profile devices for smaller framed individuals or those seeking a less subtle more dramatic change (the opposite of natural). 
Smaller framed patients tend to prefer HP implants as their BWD can be restrictive with regards to volume. An HP implant will provide greater volume in the same BWD footprint. But remember "natural" while difficult to define often implies a good match between frame, volume and projection. If the goal is natural more conservative sizing/volumes are recommended. Narrow framed individuals rarely have >500 cc breasts.The best advice is to choose a particular size/profile based upon a look and disregard more sterile measures such as cup size or volume in cc's.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Despite your good description of body type and goals, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.  Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
 
***Given your concerns, it is definitely worth spending more time (preferably prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  It will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
 Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural or unnatural” or "D or DD cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It’s controversial but based on your height and weight the size you’ve chosen will be about a “DDD” cup. If that is your desire then be prepared for difficulty fitting clothes. Support bras in this size will be expensive. And hard to find. You will certainly be able to exercise but it will more difficult. A smaller implant in the 350 to 400 gram range would be a more comfortable. Certain issues with implant displacement would be less likely too. Hope this helps.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The 520 cc implant is quite large but if your surgeon measured the base width of your breast and the 520 cc implant has a diameter that is the same as her less than the width of your breast than at 520 cc should fit you.  I suggest that you try the Rice test at home.

Will 520cc silicone implants look too unnatural on me?

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