What size should I choose? 415 or 450cc?

To be honest, you probably would not be able to tell the differnce between 415 cc and 450cc unless you were told. You should let your surgeon know how you want your breasts to look , and trust them to select the correct implant . Many factors contribute to this, and most patients are not informed enough to evaluate them.

Thanks for sharing your information with us. Based on the information you provided to us I really recommend you a volume between 450-500cc to get good volume but also with natural appearance. Its better to take the final decision of the volume of the implant after a complete personal evaluation. Kind regards 

Hi Suzanness,

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, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  It would be helpful to know your individual breast measurements in order to help determine if 415 or 450cc is the right size for you.  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

To choose an implant consider the following suggestions: 
Make sure that preoperative pictures are provided and/or your choice is made after seeing a Plastic Surgeon. Consider the fact that most people regret not going bigger (if there are regrets at all) Make sure you know whether or not you are okay with the implants being wide and touching your arms when you walk. Implant Size Try some sample implants in the Physician's office.   Try an implant that is "too large" and one that is just right.   Usually I find that somewhere in between is a good fit. Know what your base width is.  If the implant is larger than your base width expect some "side boob" as they say Under the muscle has the advantage of  Lower capsular contracture rates, Less risk of rippling Better visualization with future mammograms.   More natural look and feel.   
The size, shape, and profile of the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.   
Consider the fact that on side profile if your nipple is at the bra line (without a bra on) you may need a lift. 
These are just a few suggestions that I use personally.  Physician's vary in the preoperative assessment but I hope this helps. 
 
The easiest thing for me to do in my own practice is have patients try a variety of implants while in the office. For every 1 inch increase in your bust diameter (compared to your chest diameter), you may have an increase in 1 cup size. If you measure your chest circumference and then measure your bust circumference, the difference will correspond to an estimate in bra size. For every 1 inch increase, you will go up by a cup size (A,B,C,D,DD,DDD,F) 
Remember: Patients usually wish they went larger more frequently than the other way around.


 Dr. Dillon

My best advice: more communication.
It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
One question that might be helpful for you to consider: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly too big or slightly too small after the breast augmentation procedure?
Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation 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. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with. 

There is not a large difference between the 2 implants you are considering. Essentially about 2 tablespoons. I would suggest you ask you surgeon to put testers in your bra for you to evaluate before surgery, and also go online to look at photos of women who start with your volume and have either of those implant sizes in to look at their results and see what you like. also look for same type of implant, ie saline or silicone, and above or below muscle depending on what you are planning.

Choosing the right implant for you requires an exam in person. A baggy test can be performed to see if the volume chosen will get you to your desired cup size.

There are 4 basic questions that need to be answered before breast implant surgery:
Location of scar (incision)Above or below the muscleType of implant (saline/silicone, round, anatomic, high profile)Size of implantThe hardest decision to make, BY FAR, is the size and style of the implants. Since the most common complaint after breast implant surgery is that the patient wished they had chosen a larger size, I would recomeend the larger size implant, 450 cc.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implants frequently to help with your decisions.  
Good Luck!

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.
You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.
There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.
During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.
I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.
We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.
We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind