Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Question

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Relative sizing of implants will depend on the frame that a woman has in order to determine small versus big.  Typically taller women will have wider shoulders and chests that need to accommodate a larger implant to make a meaningful change in breast size while smaller women with more narrow chests do not need as much implant volume to create a change.  Hope this helps.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question!
  
After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.
  
Silicone will give you fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.
  
Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.
  
During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.
  
We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Basically if you have 300 cc, and put it next to a patient who weighs 50 pounds, its going to look bigger than if you put it next to a patient who weighs 300 pounds.Same kind of thing.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The reason why the same size implant may look too big in a smaller shorter person while it may look too small in a larger taller person is because the size of the implant is not proportional to their breast size and body frame.
It is important to take your goals into account. If you want natural appearing breasts then the implant size is chosen to be proportional to you. If you want an artificial look than an implant is selected to be larger than your frame.
I recommend you seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in-person to discuss your goals, examine you, review pictures you bring of others that you would like to look like, and go over before and after pictures so that you get a better idea of what type of results you can expect to get. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tall women with larger frames and broader chest, shoulders, and hips can often handle larger implants that would make smaller women's chests look overcrowded and heavier. Large implants on shorter patients with breast asymmetry will accentuate that issue as well. In addition,  choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

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Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

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Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answers (8)

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

Answer: Why do XL implants (500-800cc) look small on tall women, and big on shorter women? I'm curious.

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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.