Will 225cc be enough to notice a difference in breast size? I'm 5'2 and not even an A cup. (photos)

Dear meowmeowboobs,
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

Hello,Thank you for your question. The implant size and shape should be decided while in consultation with your plastic surgeon. Having said that there is not that much difference between 225cc vs 250cc. I always recommend to choose the larger implant if you are not sure. The best option is to revisit your plastic surgeon and share your concerns. Good Luck! 

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.   Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Hi and thanks for the questionYou will definitely notice a difference but what your friends may mean is that others might not.   Clothes do conceal breasts that are not large so if you want others to notice, you may want to go slightly larger.   it depends on who your doing this for.Good LuckDr Mark Hanikeri MBBS FRACSPerth Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for the good question. 


Some general thoughts regarding this combination procedure may be helpful to you:


 Generally speaking, patients undergoing the breast augmentation/lifting combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery. 


Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the other hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other. 


Therefore, it becomes important to remove the appropriate amount of breast skin and to use the appropriate size/profile of breast implants to balance these 2 forces appropriately and to allow for achievement of the patient's goals while minimizing risks of complications. 


In my practice, "tailor tacking" is an important part of the mastopexy and mastopexy/augmentation procedure. It involves TEMPORARY  closure of the skin (for example with temporary skin staples)  to double check the amount of skin that is to be excised during the procedure. This maneuver is done to ensure that enough skin, but not too much, is removed. On the one hand, it is important that enough skin be removed to achieve the aesthetic breast lifting results the patient is looking for; on the other hand, is important not to move too much skin creating tension upon closure and potential wide scars.
 
Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" or "full and noticeable" 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 this communication phase.


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. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
Best wishes.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Determining the “perfect” breast size before a planned breast augmentation is quite a difficult task. Each individual has a different concept of “normal” breast size. In addition, there is no standardization of bra size in the manufacturing industry. One company’s “C” is another company’s “D”.

There are various ways to determine desired breast size. Bringing in “wish pix” to demonstrate to your surgeon will make him / her aware of your anticipated goals.  Placing an implant in a bra gives an extremely rough idea of anticipated breast size. One may estimate volume by adding rice to a baggie ( 1 cc 1 ml) and adding the volume to your breast beneath a bra. Some surgeons offer computer imaging.

The most important measurement is the base width of the implant. If you drop a vertical line from the medial most and lateral most aspects of the breast, and measure the distance between them, this suggests a base width. If an implant is too narrow, you will not have adequate cleavage. If wider than the base width, you will have excessive cleavage and “lateral boob”.  The fill of the implant then determines the amount of forward projection. I recommend you visit an implant website (e.g. Mentor, Allergan, etc.) as they will list base widths, fill options, and projections for each implant size they offer.

You will not notice a 25 cc volume difference between the two implant sizes. A shot glass contains ~40 cc!
I recommend a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon to ensure that you are both on the same page.

Best wishes…