Is there a large difference between 535cc and 590cc silicone ultra high profile implants? (photo)

Question

I'm currently awaiting my breast augmentation but am wavering between between sizes. I know I'll be getting silicone ultra high profiles but I can't decide between 535cc and 590cc; is there really much difference between the two? The office has given me the dimensions of both, but that doesn't help me with the visualization. They were able to provide me with a 535cc sample implant to try on with a sports bra and tighter shirt but have yet to procure the 590cc sample. My appt. is on Nov. 29th

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear MissVonNoxiousThe size difference for the implants is small.  The high profile implants are for specific breast shapes- good for a patient with a moderate amount of breast tissue- and needing more projection.  The Moderate profile implants are more commonly used.  The misconception that a high profile implant lifts the breast and reduces the droop is incorrect.With Warm Regards,Trevor M Born MD

Simeon Wall, Jr, MD, FACS · Answer

Unless you have unusual breast & body proportions, the implants you describe are going to be pretty unnatural-looking in most women, especially ones of this size.  Ultra high profile implants are shaped more like a round ball and tend to stand out on the chest with very high visibility of the implant.  There are some exceptions of course, but I have found that the ultra-high profile implants rarely are the best choice for most of my patients.  This is keeping in mind that my first priority is to try to deliver a safe, beautiful, stable, long-term result with the lowest rate of reoperation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36 C each 200 cc’s of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. From this, you can compute the volume required to achieve your desired size. 535 cc and 590 cc implants are very large implants, will not fit retro-pectoral, will extrude inferiorly and laterally requiring revision. The best implants are small round textured silicone gel placed retro-pectoral since they look and feel more natural, are more stable, less likely to ripple or have complications needing revision. I recommend you rethink your volumes because the result will not last. Implant profile is irrelevant in the retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Optimal breast augmentation outcomes with the least lifetime complication rate is not just about achieving a specific look. In actual dimensions you already know that there is only a few millimeters of additional width and additional projection between these implants. 55 ml difference is less than 4 tablespoons of volume difference! Consequently, it will be impossible to adequately simulate your outcome with sizers pre-op. In choosing a ultra high profile implant of one of these sizes,  you are electing to achieve a very round and artificial looking chest. If this is your goal then you will be happy in the short term with either size. However, many of us feel that larger implants with high and ultra-high profiles,result in more rapid and permanent tissue thinning. You need to balance your visual goals with what you are willing to accept over the long run. Your surgeon can only advise you. Ultimately, you will be responsible for the outcome of this and future surgeries.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and picture.  A difference of 55 cc when you are talking about larger than 500 cc implants is not that big of a difference.  You want to make sure that the implant you and your surgeon choose fits your chest/breast dimensions.  I would be very careful in choosing an ultra high profile implant.  The long term effects of such a projecting implant on your breast tissue and skin can be quite detrimental.

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Miss VN:  Those are some sizable implants!  There is a 55 cc size difference between the sizes you mention, so the 590 is going to be abut 10 percent larger than the 535.  That's not a huge difference.  I would say the size difference would be just slightly noticeable.Hope this helps and good luck to you!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes the difference is 45 cc's but seriously.... There is only a minor or 1 size difference in the implant chart. 45 cc's is like 1.52 oz's.. Not really much increase in volume...