Is 310cc to small? Help! (Photo)

Question

I'm 172cm, 55kg. I'm an A cup & my chest/shoulders are quite broad. I had a consultation with a plastic/reconstructive surgeon and he told me the biggest I can go is a width of 12cm & volume of 310cc. He decided on Round, Textured, Medium Extra High Profile 310cc implants with Subglandular placement. Is 310cc the biggest I can go? Will I get natural looking breasts with subglandular placement? Will they look big? I'm scared they're going to be tiny!

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

You are obviously a petite woman, so I think something around  300 cc's is a good starting volume. For my petite patients who want all the volume that their breast dimensions will allow, I will suggest ultra high profile implants. This gives the most volume with the narrowest base width. I would suggest trying on implants with sports bra and holding the implants up to your breast to see if they are too wide for you. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi ClaireLee3,
  
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. 
Implant profile is one of the important considerations to make. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This is associated with several problematic consequences. 
  
The first issue is that the patient loses width and therefore cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants. 
  
High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the base width) but otherwise I try to avoid them.
  
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

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You seem to be worried they will both be too big and too small....For a small chest, these implants are not small, and high profile (?round) implants placed sub glandular and likely to not look very natural.
If you have doubts you should see your surgeon again before surgery.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

There are criteria for sizing to the correct implant.  The base diameter is one part that can give you a hint on which implant will get the optimal result.   Sizing bras with volumes or 3 D photography can offer a good visual on what to expect.   It sounds like you may want to visit a few experts in your area to get a better match with your expectations.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Implant selection is done best in the surgeon's office.  The implant you mentioned will give you maximum projection.  It's hard to say without an exam and discussion of your surgical goals if it is the correct implant for you.  Many surgeons have sample implants you can "try on" to get an idea of how you may look after surgery.  I recommend visiting with your surgeon again to review the implants and your goals for surgery.

Is 310cc to small? Help! (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Selecting an implant

Answer: Selecting an implant

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Is 310cc to small? Help! (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Sizing

Answer: Selecting an implant

Answer: Selecting an implant

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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.