Will Less Than 200cc Be Too Small?

Question

Finally decided to take the plunge and started playing with sizers. It was fun, but also confusing. I'm 5'1" and 95lbs, barely 32A, with a thin frame. Based on placing the sizers in a bra top, it seems like even less than 200cc silicone implants were making a big difference on me. Does that seem right? My friend (exact same body type) has 260cc silicone implants and has the look I want. Should I be worried about the potential difference in cc? (Note: My friend was 32A and is now a small C.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The implants will be blunted to an extent by going under the muscle. You may want to add 50 or so cc, but you will hear different opinions on this. In smaller women 175 cc may increase by one cup size. So 350 cc would increase by 2 cup sizes. 250 or 260 cc would be somewhere in the middle. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello. The most important factors for determining the size of implants that could be used on a patient include width of the base of the breast, the size of your thorax and the amount of breast tissue and skin you have. Once a surgeon has this information he could better educate you on what type of implants would work best for you. Implants do look smaller once in the pocket especially if placed under the muscle. This could explain your confusion when comparing the sizers with your friend’s implants.
	Jaime Perez, MD
	Breast Augmentation Specialist
	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Sizers are a decent way to gain some perspective on the patient's desired size. I remind patients that the sizes is placed on top of the skin of the breast.  The implant is not being influenced by the muscle and skin so what every size is desirable then ad at least 50 cc to that volume.  In your case at least a 250 cc implant size should be considered to achieve your desired result.

	Best Wishes

	Dr ES

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The average implant using my practice is around 300 mL. 200 mL is very small implant. Nevertheless, this does not mean it's not right for you. The only caveat would be that the vast majority of women who have breast augmentation wish they'd gone a bit bigger after they have become accustomed to the new breast size.

A. Michael Sadove, MD · Answer

At 5'1" and 95lbs, barely 32A, with a thin frame it is possible that you would be happy with a 200 cc implant. The optimal solution would be to determine the dimensions of the implant to be used and mark that out on your breast. Projection of the implant will vary depending on what implant projection is selected (high, moderate, etc.). Assuming the implants are going to be placed under the chest wall muscle, there will be a decrease in some of the projection that you see when trying the implants on in a bra. If you have the same size frame as your friend, the 260 CC (or similar) implant when placed under the muscle may give you the projection and appearance that you see with 200 cc's in a bra.

	Good luck with your surgery! Michael Sadove, MD

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

When selecting size it is important to take into account the base width of the breast. This can vary from person to person- even those with the same weight/body type. Speak with your plastic surgeon who can help you evaluate different sizes based on your breast width and surgery goals. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sizers can give a rough idea of the volume you want.  An exam in person is essential to properly size  you.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

It is a common misconception that implant size is chosen by volume. In fact, the volume is the result of choosing your implants by dimensions: that is, the diameter and the profile or projection. This can only be done by examining your breasts, taking measurements of the base diameter and projecting the appropriate diameter and profile that will produce the results you desire.  Often there are compromises to be made due to unwanted side effects like rippling, excessive roundness, or mismatch with your natural breast.

	Robin T.W. Yuan, M. D.

William LoVerme, MD · Answer

Sizing is difficult undertaking. If you sre using breast implants as sizers you will NOT be happy with the look if you use the same size for the permanent implant. Breast implants are made to placed inside and do not look the same on the outside of the body. At home you try uncooked rice placed in a 1 quart zip lock bag. Measure the rice by volume in a measuring cup and not by weight. 30 cc equals one ounce so 8 ounces is 240 cc. Use a sports bra or camisole top because if you use a sexy little bra the rice will be hanging over and not be accurate. At your physicians office they  may have true pre op sizers which will be much more accurate than using implants. 3D imagers can also do sizing but I find that patients actually want to look in the mirror and see what it looks like in real life.

	There are also measurements that are quite important, most especially the breast base diameter and this will help the surgeon pick the best implant for you. It is most important to pick an experienced surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and does a lot of implants. Good luck.

Thomas A. Narsete, MD (retired) · Answer

You are moving in the right direction. Check out the test size implants before your surgery. Don't worry about your friend. This is a personal choice. All the best

Will Less Than 200cc Be Too Small?

Answers (11)