Would 475 cc high profile implants be too big?

Question

Going in for a BA on 3/27. Tried on sizers at my consultation and liked the 475 cc silicones. But looking at pictures, wondering if these will be waaaay to big for me? I'm 5'6", muscular, small framed, 130 pounds.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Is an implant "too large for me" really is in the eye of the beholder.  A 475 cc silicone implant is relatively large, but may fit your breast pocket well.  Without knowing the dimensions of your breast and an in-person exam, it is difficult to say specifically.  Part of sizing implants focuses on a dimensional analysis of your chest and breast to give you an idea of where the implant will sit and how it will look.  Factors such as the tightness of the skin, position of the nipple and contour of the chest wall are important to take into consideration when selecting implants.  Your surgeon will be able to assist you and help you make an informed decision.Best of luck.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The exact choice of size that will work best for you is an important decision that you should make with your board certified plastic surgeon. 3D Vectra imaging and simulation, the Mentor gel sizing system, rice filled implants at home in your bra, and bio-dimensional analysis are all methods that can be employed to help you come to a decision. Because size is such an important component of decision making in breast augmentation our office employs all of these techniques with each patient to ensure the highest rate of satisfaction possible. Good luck with your decision!

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is much better to accurately discuss implant volume and projection with an in office exam and detailed measurements. In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements/characteristics. I use these measurements to help me during the sizing process to guide you to a safe result for your chest wall and just as important, one that meets your end desires.The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor. The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant. It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you during the sizing process. In addition, review of photos and use of rice bags can be very helpful to the patient and surgeon in achieving a safe and happy result. Close intereaction and involvement from your surgeon during this process can help alleviate the anxiety and fears of choosing the right size. I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.Dr. Gill

Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS · Answer

If your office has the ability to simulate your surgery via sizers or computer simulation, that might help ease your decision about your implants.  A 475cc implant in one person can look too large or they may look very small in another person.  It helps to convey your reservations to your surgeon prior to surgery so that you are comfortable with your choice.  However, virtually every patient has these same concerns, so you are not alone.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice (regarding specific breast implant size/profile) to be truly helpful. Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend more time with your plastic surgeon communicating your goals carefully.
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. In bra sizers can be useful communication tools also. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or "C or D cup" or "too big" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.  The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process.
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, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Victor Au, MD (retired) · Answer

In my experience, 475 cc is in the large category of implants. A large framed heavier person can accept this volume without difficulty. But a smaller person may not be able to. The problem comes in the available space in your body: regardless of how you might like the appearance of a sizer on top of your breast in a bra, it might be too much in one step inside of you.Bigger isn't always better. Good luck!

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

Rylee92,There is no formula for choosing implant
size and geometry, as a lot has to do with the existing breast volume, breast
base dimensions, location of your breasts on the chest wall, and then your
personal desires. This includes how natural versus how
obviously augmented you wish to appear.  You will find that there is
a range of effective volumes for each patient, below which the breast will not
be adequately filled and will not reach its best shape potential (least
effective volume), and beyond which the breasts will give up natural shape for
the sake of additional outcome volume (maximum effective volume).Additional volume can be added beyond the
maximal effective volume, but will transform the shape to a less
natural-appearing roundness and then on to a completely fake-looking shape,
eventually reaching a point where the addition of further volume requires
destruction of internal muscle and fibrous support structures, and breach of
breast landmarks (mainly the folds), which in some patients will lead to double
fold contour deformity, bottoming-out, symmastia etc.  Implant
Sizing schemes with, external implants in a bra, may be of some help, but
can be misleading if an implant volume and width is desired that is beyond
the capacity of the breast fold geometry, particularly if there is mild skin
overhang over the lower pole fold (dedicated fold geometry). I find
that bringing photos of similar shaped women's results can help in the
discussion, but realize that photos can only be used as a theme for what
you are looking for, and not like a catalog from which exact sizes
and geometries can be ordered.   I hope that this helps a
little, as this is a complex issue.  Study this well and ask informed
questions, even on the day of surgery, as it will help in the process, and limit the chance of dissatisfaction.

Would 475 cc high profile implants be too big?

Answers (7)

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