Visible difference between 520cc and 560cc? My BWD is 13cm.

Question

I am stuck between choosing 520cc and 560cc. Is there a noticeable difference? My bwd is 13cm. I’m quite deflated after breastfeeding and looking to achieve a full breast with some subtle roundness. When I tried the 560s on at my consult I felt they were a bit big but was told they’d look more like the 520cc once they’re in. (I liked how the 520s looked). I really don’t want to look top heavy which is why I’m nervous to commit to 560.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Depending on the patient, the difference of 40 cc in breast implant volume may make a noticeable difference. 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 “subtle roundness” or "D or DD cup” or "top heavy" 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.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Well, that depends...  it depends on how wide your chest is and how much breast tissue you have, and of course on your height and weight.  There is a visible yet small difference between 520 and 560 cc.  Keep in mind that both are rather large implants.  That being said when people are choosing between two sizes I always recommend that they pick the larger one.  Best of luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   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.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. 
The question of "too big" or "large enough" is a relative question. The safest approach is to stay within the boundaries of your BWD. Beyond that, the choice is yours. Without measures, it is difficult to offer more concrete advice than that. 
I would not stress over a 40 cc differential as this will have a subtle affect on outcome (40 cc is less than the volume of a shot glass or 8 teaspoons). With regards to sizers, they give a good approximation of volume (i.e. how you will fill out a garment?). However, post op shape is difficult to predict based on sizers alone.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The percentage difference between these two implants is very small. In general if you're debating between two sizes I would recommend going with the larger

Visible difference between 520cc and 560cc? My BWD is 13cm.

Answers (6)

Answer: 520 cc vs. 560 cc

Answer: 520 cc vs. 560 cc

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Answer: When considering breast implant size most patients underestimate the ultimate volume that they

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Visible difference between 520cc and 560cc? My BWD is 13cm.

Answers (6)

Answer: 520 cc vs. 560 cc

Answer: 520 cc vs. 560 cc

Answer: When considering breast implant size most patients underestimate the ultimate volume that they

Answer: When considering breast implant size most patients underestimate the ultimate volume that they

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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.